Universal Joint Part Check

[Klaatu55]

Is the Napa part # P369 the correct universal joint( front axle drivers side) for my 1999 Cherokee. This is what I was given at the store. The references I have found seem to indicate that this is a drive shaft U joint. It has a grease fitting if that makes a difference. Thanks in advance.

[OrangeXJ]

If it came with a C clip it is a drive shaft u joint. Axle u joints do not have a C clip

[Klaatu55]

Thanks for the quick response. I guess it is the right one.

[oderdene]

MOOG/PRECISION Part # 377 U Joint - Greaseable Super-Strength Greaseable Super-Strength; Front Axle Shaft - Left Outer; 4WD Greaseable Super-Strength; Front Axle Shaft - Right Outer; 4wd

http://www.rockauto.com/info/Precision/HPE_377.jpg

[Klaatu55]

This is what I was sold. This is identified on box as Napa part #369. Haven't installed it yet. Yes/No - (Note Clip)

[OrangeXJ]

nope thats a drive shaft u joint the pic that oderdene posted is the one you want

[Klaatu55]

Thanks All,Changing it tomorrow.

[Klaatu55]

Returned joint. Turns out they didn't have the correct one. So I guess he gave me whatever he had. I should have known better then to trust him. When I asked him if he knew way to work around my 150 ft/lb. torque wrench for axle nut. He told me to use 150 lbs. till click then reset it for 25 lbs. more. and continue tightening. I guess I have that look.

[4.3LXJ]

I have always just used my impact wrench on those. Once you get up to those numbers on hardened alloy steel, 25# doesn't make that much difference.

[Klaatu55]

Job finished.During road test and later driving I'm picking up vibrations that feel like rumble strips,through all driving speeds. Vibration is present even when I'm coasting with my engine off. The u joint was flexible when I put it on I did break my torque wrench trying to go to 150 max. not sure what axle nut is torqued to.Torque wrench will only work in reverse now. and 4 ft. 4" pvc pipe shattered. Before u joint change there was just clanking and visual inspection during break inspection. By the way I didn't find a single bearing in the entire u joint.

[4.3LXJ]

How were those unit bearings? T/he rumble is typical when they start to go

[Klaatu55]

Do you mean the hub. or the other u joints?

[4.3LXJ]

The hub. Did you check them by rotating them to see if they rotated smoothly?

[Brasscatz]

You replaced the axle u-joints, not the drive shaft joints, right? Reason I ask is that I changed d/s joints on my dad's truck about 10 years ago and accidentally put the d/s back in backwards and got vibes like that. Impossible to do on our XJs since we have slip yokes, but I suppose your front shaft could be reversed accidentally.

[Klaatu55]

The shaft came apart from the hub,when i was fixing u joint which was a surprise.I didn't know they were separate Can it really be put in backwards? I jacked up car again,held wheel at 12 and 6 and shook it. It did have a little play. The other side same thing. This rumble strip vibration seem to start soon after I changed u joint which looks good. and I'm very proud of. Thanks to the good people on this forum. Is it possible to put axle back on hub backwards?

[4.3LXJ]

No, they only fit one way

[Klaatu55]

That's what i thought. i will change both this weekend. Sure feels like something in the back. But it did happen following driver's u joint change. I think I'll change them both.

[Brasscatz]

No, the axle shaft will only go one way. Fellas, please jump in here, but isn't it the ball joints that cause that play? Also Bob, you might get back in there and make sure you got everything back tight and seated properly. That would definitely cause some vibrations.

[Klaatu55]

Sure couldn't hurt ,now that I'm a pro, It shouldn't take long at all. A piece of cake. Practice for the other side.