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[richardb]

Hi
New to the forum but looking for a walk through on how to change a front wheel UJ. Found an old thread when searching but just want to make sure I have it right.
So remove wheel, remove brake caliper ( 2 bolts on this at the bottom ? ) Undo 3 x 12 point bolts from rear of hub, use an old deep socket against UJ and axel case and turn steering wheel to walk off the hub and shaft or is it better to remove the hub completely.
Would I be able to use an old G clamp to press out the old UJ and put back in or hammer the thing out. I have a replacement UJ already.
If any one can go into a little more detail or tell me I where I could go wrong it would be greatly appreciated. This will be the biggest job I have attempted since my old MK2 escort, many years ago. Have pretty decent tool set up but is there any thing in particular that would make the job easier.
Thanks alot for any advice.

Richard

[sprintagogo]

http://www.birtydastards.com/frm/index.php?topic=10416.0

I don't know if this is the thread you have already seen but there is lots of useful advice contained therein. You didn’t mention removing the circlips from the old joint before trying to get it out so don’t forget that important step!

I use a large old bench vice to remove and refit the UJ’s as it is a lot more controlled than simply stacking it all up on various sized sockets or bits of tube followed by lots of hitting and hoping. If the old one is really stubborn I find winding on some pressure with the vice then whacking the front vice jaw with a 4lb lump hammer gives it enough of a shock to start things moving. They can need a lot of force, but too much brute force hitting in the wrong place can ruin the yolk ears so be a bit careful. We all joke about it needing a BFH but there has to be some tenderness!

I don’t think an old G clamp will be anywhere near strong enough for the job but there are special clamps available that are intended for the job. I suppose you could try what you have if you don’t mind breaking it?

I am still to be convinced about the physical possibility of changing the joint with the shaft still in-situ in the axle so I would recommend trying the full on removal route to be safe.

[Dave69]

the 'c' clips are a must to remove and they might be rusted in so dont worry about breaking them just make sure you have all of it out. a g clamp wont be enough as you will bend the handle before any real pressure can be applied.
 A big vice with a couple of sockets could work but i used a sledge hammer to start with mainly to break the sticktion caused by corrosion then used a vice.
 Before fitting it back together give the yokes a good wirebrush down and a light emery paper of the yokes, this will make assembly cleaner and easier. Becareful of not getting the bearing grease between the end of the shaft and the bearing cap as this will stop you getting the 'C' clip fully into place

[Bubba]

dont use a vise or press untill you have got the c clips out and geven them a good shock by thrashing a socket  on them why ?  i am lucky enough to have a press 2 in fact and i find that the shock methos frees them off if you go straight for the vise or press they can be so siezed you can actualy forse the cross clean through the uj bearing cap and evan bend the ears of the shaft