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I've broken two rear U-joints

I have a 1995 Cherokee with 150k miles on it.

I have not used it much for offroad.. a little bit. Mostly it is my daughter's driver, and she has a lead foot. I've had this vehicle since about 115k, and it has an electric trailer brake installed on it, and a hitch. So, I assume it has done some pretty serious trailering.

It has been very reliable. Twice in the last six months the rear U-joint has failed. The last time, the yoke covers(?) bolts, U-joint, all look good. Somehow it just popped out of there. The first time it broke the yoke bolts.

So... it could be that I muffed up the repair the first time around. But I'm really suspicious that maybe there is something wrong in the rear end that is making this happen.

I'm looking for some confirmation positive or negative about just replacing the U-Joint, or if I should take it somewhere to have the differential checked? or what I should do. Maybe it's time for a new rear end, or even go on to a different vehicle.

Any advice or ideas would be gladly accepted!

Thanks!

Chris

Reply to
kc0atc
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Reply to
Tom P

Reply to
RoyJ

If I am reading this correctly, the first u-joint broke the yoke bolts, and the second popped out of the yoke. I would replace the yoke, and the pinion seal at the same time. Put the new joint in using a torque wrench and some thread locker.

Earle

Reply to
Earle Horton

Thanks guys! I really appreciate it.

I'm going to take it to a shop and have them do the job. I think you all are right, there probably was some play in the first repair and I should have taken it in then instead of fooling around with it myself.

Thanks!

Reply to
kc0atc

You might also try counseling your daughter although that is usually an exercise in futility.

My sister-in-law used to have a VW bug and I don't know how many times I had to replace the hubs because she would accelerate out the driveway in reverse downhill and then put it in first gear and floor it going uphill. I'm sure it was at least a half dozen times.

It stopped when she started having to pay for them out of her waitress pay...

Reply to
billy ray

When the first one blew, the vibration likely stretched the straps. A bolt and strap set is cheap. As mentioned, check the little end tabs for a bend also.

Mike

86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail >
Reply to
Mike Romain

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