Best Automotive Replacement Universal Joints in 2022

Last update: November 11, 2022

Are universal joints hard to replace?

If you have some basic mechanical skills and knowledge, replacing a universal joint is not difficult. You will need some tools, including a socket set, and it is helpful to have access to a lift. The most difficult part is often getting the old universal joint out, which can be difficult if it is seized or corroded. Once the old universal joint is out, installing the new one is relatively straightforward.

Can you drive with a worn out u-joint?

A worn out u-joint will eventually cause the driveshaft to come apart, which will then cause the vehicle to lose power and eventually come to a stop.

Do you have to grease U-joints?

U-joints, or universal joints, are used in many types of vehicles, from cars to trucks to boats. Many people believe that you need to grease U-joints, but this is not always the case. While greasing U-joints can prolong their life, it is not always necessary. If you are unsure whether or not you should grease your U-joints, check your owner’s manual or ask a mechanic.

How do I know if my drive shaft is out of balance?

If your drive shaft is out of balance, you may notice vibration coming from the engine area while driving. This can be a sign that the driveshaft is not spinning correctly and is not balanced. You may also notice that your car is not driving as smoothly as it should be. If you think your drive shaft may be out of balance, take it to a mechanic to have it checked and repaired if necessary.


ARES 70073-3-Piece Impact Universal Joint Set - 1/4-Inch, 3/8-Inch and 1/2-Inch Drive Chrome Moly U Joint Sockets Access Hard to Reach Fasteners Review:


After searching for a complete set of universal ball joints (1/2, 3/8, and 1/4) for a very long time, I came across this set by Ares Tool.These joints make excellent swivels, but I haven't used them as impact sockets yet. When used, the box-based joints frequently lock, especially when using long extensions. These ball joints don't have the flop-over problem that box joints do because they only turn 30-45 degrees (about) from center.I've already started using the 1/2 and 3/8 because I'm helping rebuild an engine, and they work excellent (for the reasons above). And on the 3/8, I utilized extensions to create some tremendous leverage that were about 2 feet long, and it didn't even exhibit any signs of braking, which is excellent. (I've already twisted a block joint since it was cheap.)The 1/4 is too small to fit in my DEWALT DW2190 Heavy Duty Medium Tough Case, but it appears to be well built and I haven't used it yet.The packaging needs work; the first time I ordered, I only received 2 of 3; with Amazon's assistance, I was able to get a free replacement with free shipping (Thanks Live Chat). The replacement came with everything, but even though it was packaged neatly (the joints were intact), the plastic holding the sockets together was damaged, which was a little telling since the original was delivered without one.2. The website tried to register, but it was broken. I'm now exchanging emails with someone from Ares about the website and the few problems I've encountered, and it seems like they're repairing it as we go, so it should work somewhat in the future.3. a statement of warrantyWhen asked about the warranty, they advised sending a picture of the issue in order to receive a replacement item. However, they would also need to know how long the warranty will last, which is actually stated on their website someplace. I hope it has a lifetime warranty because most sites do.P.S. I looked at O'Reilly Auto Parts, which did have a 1/4" (the hardest to locate), but the other joints they had were silly and turned into extensions instead of swiveling, then if you put a lot of force it will come out and turn to a swivel, but I did not like it. also cost more money than this package.



Moog 534G Universal Joint Review:


Despite being Moog brand joints, they are not significantly different from any other over-the-counter parts store brand. They do come filled with a little layer of green grease, but they do feature a zerc fitting, which is a positive. Before installing these, grease them until they ooze because if you don't the driveshaft will likely block the zerc fitting.



LEXIVON Premium Impact Universal Joint Socket Swivel Set | 3-Piece Ball Spring Design 1/2", 3/8", and 1/4" U-Joint Drive | Cr-Mo Steel = Fully Impact Grade (LX-113) Review:


In most pinless systems, a spring pushes against the ball at the base of the socket mechanism This device, which revolves on a spring, is made of a single component and has a rounded bottom. After doing a lot of study, I've found that the spring is typically the first component to break since it wears out and finally gets stuck where the pin goes through the ball and impairs rotation. It turns out that this is pretty typical. Ironically, after only 5 minutes of use, the spring on a Husky unit jammed. This definitely isn't typical for most manufacturers, but it nonetheless reveals a design flaw.However, the Lexivon socket/ball mechanism is two-pieced, therefore there is practically no chance that the spring may deteriorate or become stuck in the rotating position.Imagine a ball with an identical concave on one side and a convex on the other.Between the spring and the ball in the socket mechanism is this ball.In order to keep everything in place, the spring pushes against the convex side while the ball of the socket mechanism rides on the concave mechanism of this ball.Compared to other vehicles, the Lexivon's ball to ball design allows for significantly smoother operation.The Lexivon passed my impact test with a full torque of 450 ft-lbs and showed no evidence of wear at all.Obviously, higher torque ratings could produce different outcomes.Maybe one day I'll bump into a friend with a stronger impact gun so I can test it out more.If these businesses torque rated their impact sockets and other impact accessories, that would be great.They have a lifetime warranty, and most evaluations indicate that Lexivon is excellent at upholding it in the event of a problem.Given their high quality, I anticipate them to last for many years.kd



Spicer 5-1310X Life Series Universal Joint Review:


I'm not sure whether they changed the packaging in response to some of the earlier reviews, but my set came with bags containing the clips and instructions. I bought the lifelong U joint that cannot be greased. It already has the exact amount of grease needed to balance on all four corners. Additionally, it is thought to be stronger than the greaseable version because there are no holes drilled for grease nipples. In any event, you must avoid mixing the caps since you risk spreading grease (it's hard to believe it might be an issue, but I believe it could lead to seal damage) and you must avoid adding grease for the same reason. Although they have varying thicknesses, the bags explain the various clip colors. The thicker ones are there if you need to take up more room to stop the U-joint from playing, and the instructions also say to use those in pairs so the U joint is always precisely centered in the yolk. Copper colored ones are standard thickness; the thicker ones are there if you need to take up more space to prevent the U-joint from playing.Make careful to check your unique application when it comes to fitting. Since two of the bearing caps are 1310 size and the other two are 1330 size, older Fords that you might think utilize a 1310 U joint actually used a 1310BC. So be sure to measure the cap sizes if necessary and be very explicit about the size U joint you require.I did install using a hammer and impact sockets, but this can be problematic—especially with aluminum driveshafts, where it's possible to bend the ears and cause binding in the U joint. You must utilize a press, either a hydraulic benchtop press or a powerful C clamp-style U joint tool.



Spicer 5-178X U-Joint Kit Review:


These seem to be of very high quality, and they ride quite nicely thus far. On a 2005–2009 Mustang, they don't eliminate the "clunk" that occurs while shifting between P, R, and D, but I think that the two-piece stock Ford driveshaft and regular driveline backlash (tolerance for play) are to blame. After I use them for a few thousand kilometers or if I have any problems, I'll try to update my evaluation.These u-joints will fit anyone who owns a 2007 Mustang 4.0L V6 with changeable u-joints (with the snap rings). After extensive web searching, I was only able to locate a few forum posts that suggested this u-joint as a possible replacement for the factory Ford u-joints. Even though Amazon and nearly every other website on the internet claims they don't fit my car, I took a chance and made my decision based on those posts. None of the systems at Advance Auto, Autozone, etc. had any u-joints that fit my car. That annoyed me a lot because a mustang is rear-wheel drive and plainly has u-joints. I'll cut it short. These u-joints will work for you if you have an S197 Mustang with a V6 and replaceable u-joints (I'm not sure about the V8 model), or at least they work great for me and were the exact same size as the factory u-joints.UPDATE: I've put 10,000 miles on the car since installing these u-joints, and so far there have been no problems. The only thing that has happened is that some extra grease has sprayed underneath the car, but that was probably because I added too much grease when I installed them by using the zerk fittings. No noises, etc., and it's still working. If I find any problems with these that I consider to be an early failure, I will update the review.



Moog 235 Super Strength Universal Joint Review:


I was pleased with my purchase of these for my 2003 Tahoe.Strong bearing caps that pushed in without any marring or deflection. The needle design is more in line with the full complement style—smaller rollers that are packed quite closely. Compared to Spicer or AcD designations, there is a lot more surface contact.One thing: These are challenging to oil, according to numerous other reviews. Although they are not, they are unique nonetheless. The MOOG fitting is a micro zerk; to fill it with grease, you require a needle grease gun adaptor. When inserted in my Alemite grease gun, the Lincoln/SKF #5803 needle adapter (1/8" NPT) that I bought performed flawlessly.Happy with this brand and style, five stars. On the same truck, I will replace the intermediate shaft and the front driveshaft, and I'll get MOOG super strengths for both of those replacements.



TEKTON 4964 Impact Universal Joint Set,3-Piece Review:


These joint sockets are excellent and appear to be pretty sturdy. On my 3/8" and 1/4" drive ratchets, I usually use them. On my 3/8" ratchet, I've discovered that they work nicely even at greater torques. The 1/2" drive joint socket is physically larger than the 3/8" joint socket and appears to be able to withstand higher torques, but I haven't had to use it yet.The joint sockets are between 1.5" and 2.5" long.Benefits: *Withstands greater torques *Long-lasting coatingCons: *So far, noneThe only connections available from these sockets are 1/2" -> 1/2", 3/8" -> 3/8", or 1/4" -> 1/4". Be careful that if you want a drive of a certain size on either side of this socket, you might require a different socket. (i.e. 1/2" -> 3/8")Overall: 5/5 (>=.5 rounds up,.5 rounds down) stars, which equals 5 stars.Please leave a comment below if you have any additional queries about the product I reviewed, and I will respond to you as soon as I can.



Spicer Dana 30/44 Heavy Duty Axle U-Joint Combo - Includes Pair of Spicer 5-760X Axle U-Joints Review:


Although the parts didn't fit my 2001 TJ with standard axles, they appeared to be of decent quality. The caps bottomed down, as indicated in previous reviews, and C clips could not be attached. I'm not sure what the problem is, but it certainly seems to be a tolerance issue. I'll try a second set in the hopes that they will fit because Dana Spicer produces excellent products.Update to five stars; installation was comparatively simple and I got 760x u-joints. To install the C clip on the short shaft on the passenger side, I had to use a press. Though a touch tight, the joint should loosen up. Quality spicer joints are excellent. Supplier delivered them to me earlier than anticipated.



MOOG 354 Premium U-joint Review:


My stuff is excellent. I cherish my u-joints. Gratitude to Amazon I don't mind working on my projects, but I detest going to retrieve the trash, and you guys are the best at handling that sort of thing. Additionally, your pricing are fantastic. I have a tonne of stuff and I can keep it all fixed.


How long does it take to change u-joints?

A typical u-joint replacement job takes about two hours. This includes removing the old u-joints, installing the new u-joints, and properly torquing the bolts.

How much does it cost to replace universal joints?

How often should universal joints be replaced?

The answer to this question depends on a few factors, but generally speaking, universal joints should be replaced every 50,000 miles or so. This interval can be shortened if the vehicle is used in off-road or heavy-duty applications, or if the universal joints show signs of wear or damage.

Should you replace both U-joints at the same time?

If one of your U-joints is going bad, it's a good idea to replace both of them at the same time. This will help keep your vehicle running smoothly and prevent any further damage down the road.

What are some signs of u-joint failure?

If your car is making noises, especially clicking, grinding, or squeaking, it may have failing u-joints. Also, if your car is vibrating more than usual, especially at higher speeds, this may be a sign of failing u-joints. If you notice any of these signs, have your car inspected by a mechanic to diagnose the problem and determine if your u-joints need to be replaced.

What causes universal joints to fail?

The most common cause of universal joint failure is lubrication loss. The lack of lubrication will cause the joint to seize, and the seizure will cause the joint to fail.