Universal Joints
2009 Dodge, 2500, diesel, 150k... please tell me how to check the universal joints, just in case they need replacing. I don't hear any clunking noise, but just want to be sure before a long trip. ...
Forum Discussion
At 150k, every u joint in the truck is on borrowed time.
To check them, if there’s any slop they are toast. And they typically show a bunch of rust on or around the joint.
Also check the cardan joint in the front driveshaft. Have you been greasing it? If the front Shaft cuts loose, it usually does a bunch of other damage.
Coincidentally the only component that hasn’t needed joints yet is my front driveshaft. Same truck, similar miles.
1 rear u joint at about 110 k, replaced both.
1 front axle joint at 150k replaced both.
Driveshaft is still good. It’s also a good idea to remove the front driveshaft if you haven’t before. They’re a ______ to get off with the torx head bolts. Make sure that sucker isn’t rusted in there in case you get a bad joint and have to remove it on the road somewhere.
I went overboard with the front axle joint and did both u joints and unit bearings.
150-200k on old trucks seems to be the average lifespan of these components.
To check them, if there’s any slop they are toast. And they typically show a bunch of rust on or around the joint.
Also check the cardan joint in the front driveshaft. Have you been greasing it? If the front Shaft cuts loose, it usually does a bunch of other damage.
Coincidentally the only component that hasn’t needed joints yet is my front driveshaft. Same truck, similar miles.
1 rear u joint at about 110 k, replaced both.
1 front axle joint at 150k replaced both.
Driveshaft is still good. It’s also a good idea to remove the front driveshaft if you haven’t before. They’re a ______ to get off with the torx head bolts. Make sure that sucker isn’t rusted in there in case you get a bad joint and have to remove it on the road somewhere.
I went overboard with the front axle joint and did both u joints and unit bearings.
150-200k on old trucks seems to be the average lifespan of these components.
