[voodoolord]

My drivers inner axle got thrashed when my U-joint broke so I bought a new Axle. I got the joint in fine with both clips on the stub but for some reason I could not get the last clip on the inner axle. I tried everything, I pushed my press to its limits and even heated the axle and it wouldn't go any farther. It looks like its in there well and moves freely but Im wondering whether its ok to not have a clip on one cup. Will the force of it spinning eventually throw the cup out? Its a moog U-joint by the way. Thanks for any advice.

 

[cummins4.5]

They should fit in there. I wouldn't run it without.. I'm sure you checked but make sure one of the needle bearings didn't fall Over between cap and stud.

 

[KJMach]

I agree sounds like one needle fell to bottom of a cap. DO NOT run it missing a u joint clip! Since you have a im assuming brand new axle not used, there shouldnt be any rust to clean out of the ring lands on the axle to prevent the clip from seating. Or is it used but new?

 

[SpikesHD]

The ears of those axles are easily bent together when using an over zealous amount of force. Take it easy when installing U-joints in anything. A lot of our business comes from repairing what folks damaged trying to change a U-joint.

Some of the axle joints come with a plastic disk in each cap (to absorb 'errors'). If you aren't careful, both disks can easily end up in one cap too. Like others said, check for a needle bearing down, and leave the press or vise for other uses.

 

[cummins4.5]

I use a OTC ball joint press for all u joints. Works perfect each time but you can bend a yolk if you arnt paying attention and its sticking for some reason. break out the hammer and hit it a few times shock it loose. Never had a plastic disc get stacked but that's a good thing to remember for future problems

 

[garagepeople]

If you are 100% sure it's not a stacked cap bushing or a pin on its side under the cap...
if you are just lacking a few .001's you could,
Remove the joint and slightly file both inner sides of the axle where the clips sit.

 

[voodoolord]

Turns out a needle did fall to the bottom, I should have known that but it was late and I was tired. Now that I got that figured out when I try to re set the joint theres a smaller gap at the top of the clip slot. That's telling me I bent he ears. The problem is I don't know how I would bend it back and Im worried if I try to press the joint all the way out ill damage the plastic cap further, Ive already chipped piece off. This is turning into a real pain in the .

 

[Last_in]

Some of the axle joints come with a plastic disk in each cap (to absorb 'errors'). If you aren't careful, both disks can easily end up in one cap too. Like others said, check for a needle bearing down, and leave the press or vise for other uses.

If you're speaking of the thrust washers, that are at the bottom of the bearing cups, they actually serve a purpose.

To the OP, do NOT run it without the snap ring seated on all four bearing cups.

Like others said, you probably downed a needle during install. When installing, put a bearing cup in and install the cross then press it through, install that snap ring, put the bearing cup on the other side and press that trough. Doing that you will not down a needle. If you put both bearing cups in before pressing, you have a much higher risk of downing the needles.

 

[voodoolord]

Turns out both cups had dropped bearings, totally FUBAR. Im getting a new joint and starting over. Ive done U-Joints before and never had this issue but I guess theres always that one time. Thanks for the input guys.

 

[cummins4.5]

Haha it happens man.. 90% of the time its something stupid. Funny I had a truck come in they couldn't get it started it just died on them I'm trying to figure it out getting ready to yank an injection pump then seen air in system. Fuel gauge said 1/4 tank but went beat on the tank it was dry. Hah filled her up bled system fired up took off. So don't feel to bad

 

[voodoolord]

New U-Joint and some patience = success. All is well, thanks for the help.