New U-Joints binding

[dantye]

Anyone had problems with new replacement U-Joints that bind really tight (end-to-end) after the snap rings are installed (i.e., they seem just a bit too long)?

[2ndwind]

I have a recollection of the 1st U joints I bought had grease nipples that were too long, internal to,- and binding the joints. I had to buy another set of joints with different fitting placement to solve the problem. Sorry, I'm fuzzy on the details, that was 4 yrs. ago.

[narfire]

I found if the cap is up tight against a snap ring they bind. perhaps give them a little "love-tap" (I use an old socket) and see if they loosen up. Just a fraction off the ring made a difference when I had a similar issue.
The other thing is a few needles inside the cap might be crossed up....

[jkn070458]

U-joints if installed correctly should flop. A few things to remember, get the correct part. If you don't have a BJ press, use big/little sockets and a vice to press them out, forget the hammer method. If the ends aren't square to your jaws you run the risk of tweaking the yoke. Run a wire wheel inside the yoke holes to remove rust, apply a small amount of grease to the insides if you want. Put a cap in the dead end ans slowly press it in most of the way. Place your other cap in the other side, center the joint and continue to press in until you can install the locks. If you can't install the locks it's either a needle fell over inside the cap, a tweaked yoke or wrong parts. If everything went well the joint should be smooth. If it's stiff, take your hammer to the end of the drive shaft and give it a whack.