redhat-z
New Member
I just bought a 98 Yukon last week. It had the clunk in back and horrible vibration above 50mph. Over the weekend, I pulled the driveshaft and found that the rear u-joint was toasted. One of the cups had no bearings left at all. I ended turning over my engine hoist to use the bottom part of the frame for a press with a 4-ton bottle jack. I first had to cut out the center cross. This took 2 Sawz-all blades and 3 cut-off wheels. Then I put the end of the driveshaft in my makeshift press. The bearing end cups were seized so tight, I had to cut down a piece of 2.5in round bar and place in between the ears to keep them from flexing. Finally after jumping up and down on the jack handle, the cups broke free.
With the new u-joint in, the vibration and clunk are gone. I now have a smooth quiet ride for $17.00.
My advice to anyone with bad u-joints that are still original, take the driveshaft to a shop or else you risk unbalancing your driveshaft. Trust me its woth it.
On a side note, when I thought the u-joint was not going to budge, I test fit an old camaro driveshaft and it fit perfectly. All that would need to be done is swap the yoke and it would work for a 4-door. It is heavier but it might be useful if you have to temporarily improvise.
With the new u-joint in, the vibration and clunk are gone. I now have a smooth quiet ride for $17.00.
My advice to anyone with bad u-joints that are still original, take the driveshaft to a shop or else you risk unbalancing your driveshaft. Trust me its woth it.
On a side note, when I thought the u-joint was not going to budge, I test fit an old camaro driveshaft and it fit perfectly. All that would need to be done is swap the yoke and it would work for a 4-door. It is heavier but it might be useful if you have to temporarily improvise.
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