U joint question

The center bearing usually "fails" because the rubber fatigues and the drive shaft is allowed to sag. You can tell by just looking at it while installed. The shaft will not be sitting in the middle of the donut, but towards the bottom. When you push up on the shaft it will move with little or no resistance. The sag in your driveshaft could be the reason for the your vibration as well. These things are basically bad right off the showroom floor, and that is why most of us have used other alternatives.

I can't believe the dealer gave that truck back to you and did not find any problem. When you grease your new bearings, make sure you pump in grease until you get squeeze out on every cap! Clean out all the mess and move to the next one. Most people just pump grease till they get a little out of one cap. This creates dead legs in the cross over time, because the grease in those dead channels gets harder and harder. A properly greased joint, every oil change will last indefinitely.

 

That's great info. Thanks, man!

 

I just wanted to clear up some wrong info here.

Yes that will fit the rear and I actually prefer the zerk in the middle.

No, he's correct that is the part number for the rear. Spicer makes different U-joints that fit the rear. My truck had the zerk in the middle. Three

$20 5-213X U-Joint Kit 1330 Series (OSR)

5-213X for rear, and two

$24 5-153X U-Joint - Individual

5-153X for front which also have the zerk in center.

 

You are correct! Having said that, the 1330 is beefier & is triple sealed so it should last longer & be stronger.