Marking drive shaft for u joint replacement??

Why does one need to do this?

Dealer wants $330 to change out 1 u joint (middle one) on my 2009 tacoma double cab...I hate them!... I'm not even sure that is the problem. I have been having an increasing vibration going between 10 and 40 mph. No clunking......... anyway;

I have a friend who can do it and it would be a good start but he is a bit old school. He doesn't think we need to mark the shaft......I want to be sure if we do it its done correctly.

How important is this and if it needs to be done do I need to mark it all the way down or just the front and back connecting points??

thanks

steve

 

The segmented driveshaft is balanced over the full length. You'll notice the weights on the shaft tube. Reassembling it out of it's factory orientation may induce unwanted vibration. Just make tick marks with whiteout, paint pen or something that won't come off at each junction from piece to piece.

 

What exactly are you trying to mark, and whats the point of marking it?

 

YES - Mark it!!

You'll want to mark one of the EARS....and mark the matching shaft on the other side of the U joint. So...when you put it back together, you can allign the marks together. You'll want to get both shafts in the same orientation to each-other as they were.

It's hard to explain...some of it has to do with weight/balance, others has to do with wear in, etc.

It's one of those 'preventative' things. There's enough folks on here who have experienced worse vibrations after changing the ujoint because they didn't mark the shafts. Anytime I change ujoints or anything driveshaft related - I mark the shit out of everything to help prevent future headaches.

Just sayin.....

 

Holy cow! I had all 3 joints and the center bearing replaced with Spicer parts, shaft checked for runout, re-balanced, and painted at at a driveshaft shop for less than $200!

I marked the flanges on the TC/diff too. If it's machined correctly it shouldn't make a difference but I didn't want to take any chances. It could be a nightmare figuring out where it was from the factory. I've read about others here going through that in the past

 

Yes, make alignment marks on the both sections, don't want to reassemble it 180 degrees off. Since you are not removing the center yoke or CB it should be pretty easy.. two sets of hands and a ball joint/u joint service tool will really help. I've done all 3 a couple times recently.. that tool really helps.

You might want to inspect the carrier bearing (and other u joints) prior starting the project, that way you don't have to pull that center u joint twice. You'll need a puller, torque wrench and the torque specs to replace the CB and install the center yoke. There is a sticky on the main page with everything you'll need, even a diagram showing order of assembly and where that spacer goes. After removing the nut and washer holding the yoke, I made a small (very gently) punch mark on the shaft and yoke near the splines. I prefer marks rather than tape, sharpie or white out.

Driveshaft Parts USA sells the CB for $28+around $10 for shipping. part number CBTHN

The ball joint service kit is from HB $79.99 Item#60827 , use a 20% off coupon

 

I always use a center punch and hammer. If you have ever had a marker or paint pen mark come off you would too.

A good center punch mark isn't going anywhere.

Single dent on one side and a double on the other. The single punch aligned between the double punchs.

 

Thanks all. I had all three replaced for $200. It was worth it for me and seems to have fixed the vibration....

 

Anyone know what to do if my drive shaft was removed and reinstalled without being marked. I am getting all kinds of vibes now.

 

Take it to a shop. I replaced all of my ujoints after a lift to try and get rid of the vibrations. I must have made a mistake somewhere, because the whole shaft came off the truck at 70 mph. Lucky it didn't damage anything else or FLIP the truck over. And it was quite a bit more than $200

 

Ouch, well it's actually at Toyota right now.

 

Marking is simple and free, why not? I never used to mark them when I changed a u-joint. I never had troubles either. Old school I guess.

 

Shafts aren't balanced with anything in the rear end during assembly. Marking isn't needed but I guess doesn't hurt.

 

I probably would have marked it if I replaced them myself. My mechanic didn't mark them though, after replacing three u joints the truck rode terrible.

 

It is easy enough to mark your drive shaft and reassemble it in the same way. Even if it doesn't matter it is nice for peace of mind knowing you don't have to worry about it. I've always marked it and put it back in just the way it came out.

 

Is there any DIY instructions here that I can follow in replacing all 3 U-joint?

 

The reason for the marks is drive shaft timing and to prevent vibrations.

 

This will help you - https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/replacing-u-joints-write-up.292123/

 

I really appreciate it. Thanks

 

Exactly,I'd like to know how this whole "marking your driveshaft" started. I remember this years back when I was heavy into the 5.0 scene.