Proper u-joint removal. Some cars-Be Aware

[Alfredfromchicago]

For those who dont know, alot of factory u-joints are held in with nlylon injected from the factory. (Look for the little plastic nub or holes)
What you have to do to remove them is heat them (the end of the driveshaft, not the u-joint)with a torch so the nylon,expands, and flows out of the injection holes. Not doing this can cause damage to the driveshaft or the yoke cause theyre essentially locked in place by the injected nylon.

"Thanks for the tip, I had no idea. If they were held in place with injected nylon, and you melt out that nylon, how do the new joints stay in place? "

You still need the c- clips or whatever retainers they use. I think it was like a factory gaurentee that shit wouldnt fly apart.

Mabey I shoud post that one on the tech thread...Here goes nuthin...

[zack]

if yall got some driveshafts that have nylon injected into them. you should just get out of the clubhouse..... lol! im such a jerk.

[Alfredfromchicago]

Zack, do ya know what years this method was used? B cause I have not a clue...

[hucks 48]

80's 90's

[Alfredfromchicago]

Originally Posted by hucks 48

80's 90's

I dont know about that, I dont think i've ever worked on cars that new...
I'm gonna guess the 70's also, (just a guess)

Wait, mabey my 81 cutlass.....

[Jogyver]

I have experinced removing a few using the propane torch. One thing you forgot to mention ... Once it gets real hot the plastic expands and then pops like a 22 cal. shell going off. The first time it scared the bajezzis out of me

[Suedekustom]

I have an 05 GMC with these. First time I have seen them, kind of scratched my head for a minute before deciding that a little heat couldn't hurt. Heck, I thought it was an interesting design.

[23Willys]

I heated mine with a propane torch also. The plastic oozes out of the hole like a snake until it's all out of there.

[the Wrench]

70s and 80s for sure. Make sure it is pointed down when heating. About one in 6 come out like a bullet. It (the nylon) looks like the 'snakes' you used to set off on the 4 th of July in the 60s. First time I did one (in the 70s) I had no torch I sent 2 or 3 hours screwing with it til my buddy came up with the propane torch idea.