Front u joint replacement

[F250stroker08]

I'm trying to replace a front drivers side u joint that I broke sled pulling but am having trouble removing the hub. Any suggestions? Thanks.

 

[F250stroker08]

Ok. I got everything off but cant remove the axle shaft now. Any tips for removing this?? Thanks.

 

[greyford1979]

Ok. I got everything off but cant remove the axle shaft now. Any tips for removing this?? Thanks.

When I did my ball joints I used a pry bar in between the axle tube and ears of the shaft right where the seal is and it popped right out. Forgot to add this was on a 2000 but should work the same.

 

[Big Angry Hillbilly]

Two pry bars two guys by the excluder seal pry out and it should pop right out.

You have a tool to put the hub seal back in?

 

[F250stroker08]

Thanks for the replies. I believe the early model super dutys are different from my 09 from the research I've done.

Do I remove the hub seal and then the axle or all together?

And no I do not have a tool to put the hub seal back in. Will I need one?

 

[Big Angry Hillbilly]

Yep, pry it out as one assembly. It is a lot easier with the tool, but you can do it without if you're patient.

Replacement of the hub seal is recommended they usually leak vacuum if you re use them.

 

[F250stroker08]

Ok thanks. I will give that a try once my new parts come in.

 

[greyford1979]

You should be able to make your own tool for pretty cheap, under $20. I made one for mine, but not sure exactly the dimensions of what you would need for a newer truck.

 

[Big Angry Hillbilly]

In a pinch you can use a big socket like for doing heavy truck axle hub nuts. Like 4" diameter.

 

[Tree Trimmer]

don't you still need to set the correct depth with re-installing the seal??

the other use of that tool.

 

[greyford1979]

don't you still need to set the correct depth with re-installing the seal??

the other use of that tool.

Yes you do, that's why it's a little more difficult without it.

 

[97stoker350]

dont you just beat it in till it stops??

 

[mint-6oh]

There's a lip on the tool that stops at the knuckle to set the depth

 

[Tree Trimmer]

picture a straight line between the center of the upper and lower ball joints.

this is the "plane" that everything is going to turn in.

the tool sets the depth of the u-joint, when your driving the shaft/seal into the axle, so that it also turns in line with that plane.

to deep or to shallow will drastically accelerate the wear on that little needle bearing that the axle shaft rides in.

1/16 might not be to bad, but a 1/8th will be. and trying to judge that 1/16-1/8 eyeballing it will be.....difficult.

 

[Zmann]

in my experience the 05 unders had to be set to depth but the 05 up
you set it to the bottom of the knuckle

I tried to set mine with the DIY 2" pipe tool and match what I measured the old seals depth to be

got done and it seemed to drag I pulled it apart and set the seal all the way into the housing I then had no drag and it's been fine for 1k miles

so take that for what it's worth or buy the proper tool and post up the specs for it please!

and the 05 ups have a sealed bearing not that needle bearing.

 

[Zmann]

axle rides on this sealed bearing vs needle ( see inside unit bearing at snap ring )

 

[Tree Trimmer]

is that sealed bearing replaceable??

i see the snap ring.

i need to replace mine, but have been postponing, as i thought i needed to replace the entire hub assembly like my old 99. but if i can just get that little bearing....

 

[Zmann]

yes u are supposed to be able to get just that bearing

My Ford guy handed Me one by accident when I was doing seals

one of the seal kits included the bearing so I just bought the individual seal instead