2011 jeep grand cherokee u joint replacement

A universal joint or U-joint for short can also be know as a universal coupling, Cardan joint, Spicer or Hardy Spicer joint. The job of a U-joint is to transfer power from one rotating shaft to another, such as in drive shafts or axle shafts. It consists of a pair of hinges located close together, oriented at 90° to each other, connected by a cross shaft.

When u-joints go bad, that can start to make clicking or squeaking noises which are not only annoying, but mean they are on the brink of failing completely, potentially leaving you stranded on the side of the road or the trail. Don't ignore a failing u-joint, replace it.

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28 Universal Joints found

2011 jeep grand cherokee u joint replacement

Joined Dec 22, 2010

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6,682 Posts

Discussion Starter · #1 · Feb 4, 2013

Should I have this shop replace the U- Joints or should I replace the whole driveshaft?

I'm just curious as to will the work done hold up if I have them replaced.

Joined Jun 3, 2011

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258 Posts

I think you need to have just the ujoints replaced and test it out for all of us? We need to know what brand parts to use, from where. Spicer?

2011 jeep grand cherokee u joint replacement

Joined Aug 8, 2012

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2,433 Posts

why would you replace the Driveshaft? Is the old one bad? did it snap ?

I would say just replace the U-joints . Use a good U-joint though . For that matter are they bad?

Joined Jul 2, 2010

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991 Posts

If they know what they are doing, I wouldn't hesitate to have them replace just the u-joints.

I've gone through two OEM drive shafts- one when they were still "cheap" ($400) that was then later replaced under warranty after they more than doubled in price. Both times the u-joints had failed...not sure if I just had bad luck or these aren't as robust as they probably should be!

I have heard of just replacing the u-joints with success. I would also consider asking them to use hardware with grease fittings, so you can keep it properly lubricated. Although I understand why they use sealed u-joints from the factory, it could be a way to ensure these ones will last you.

2011 jeep grand cherokee u joint replacement

Joined Dec 22, 2010

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6,682 Posts

Discussion Starter · #5 · Feb 4, 2013

why would you replace the Driveshaft? Is the old one bad? did it snap ?

I would say just replace the U-joints . Use a good U-joint though . For that matter are they bad?

Because the the way the driveshaft was manufactured, the u-joint are "non-serviceable".

2011 jeep grand cherokee u joint replacement

Joined Dec 22, 2010

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6,682 Posts

Discussion Starter · #6 · Feb 4, 2013

I think you need to have just the ujoints replaced and test it out for all of us? We need to know what brand parts to use, from where. Spicer?

I'm driving to the shop now.

2011 jeep grand cherokee u joint replacement

Joined Aug 8, 2012

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2,433 Posts

Because the the way the driveshaft was manufactured, the u-joint are "non-serviceable".

So ... non serviceable in what way? Are they non grease able? Or are they somehow built into the driveshaft so you can't hammer them out , like a wranglers drive shaft or front axle shaft?

We would swap out a wrangler u-joints in a few minutes.

2011 jeep grand cherokee u joint replacement

Joined Aug 8, 2012

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2,433 Posts

Ok , Now I see what you are talking about ... Thats a crappy design. whenever mine choose to go then I will consider getting a real driveshaft made with 1310 u joints you can replace . You may want to consider the same option

2011 jeep grand cherokee u joint replacement

Joined Aug 8, 2012

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2,433 Posts

here is why they cant be replaced as easy

Just a thought ... If the tack welds were ground out and a new 1310 or 1330 ( not sure which) were installed , Could it be tack welded and repaired? Or possibly contact Tom Woods , englewood , or another driveshaft Mfg. and get one made.

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2011 jeep grand cherokee u joint replacement

Joined Dec 22, 2010

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6,682 Posts

Discussion Starter · #10 · Feb 4, 2013 (Edited)

So ... non serviceable in what way? Are they non grease able? Or are they somehow built into the driveshaft so you can't hammer them out , like a wranglers drive shaft or front axle shaft?

We would swap out a wrangler u-joints in a few minutes.

Look it up. They are not suppose to be replaceable at all.

Edit: I see that you found it.

2011 jeep grand cherokee u joint replacement

Joined Aug 8, 2012

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2,433 Posts

If you can buy a rebuilt driveshaft , Like you can from Crown or others then it can be changed

2011 jeep grand cherokee u joint replacement

Joined Aug 8, 2012

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2,433 Posts

Ok so , I sent a email to Tom Woods of Tom Woods Custom Driveshafts and here is the response I received this morning

Tom Wood via comcast.net
11:49 AM (13 minutes ago)

to
Name removed :

While we can build replacement drive shafts for the WK, we do not have the ability to change the factory original, staked in, universal joints. It would be interesting to know who & how the company referenced on the string is accomplishing this.

If you have other questions, it may be best to call. Our Toll Free US # is 1-877-497-4238. Our worldwide telephone # is 1-801-737-0757. Hours of operation are 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Mountain Time Zone. (GMT - 7 hours) Monday through Friday.

Thank you,

Tom Wood
Tom Wood's Custom Drive Shafts Inc.

Please include all original text in any reply.

Tom Wood's Custom Drive Shafts - Tom Woods Custom Drive Shafts Custom Driveshafts Specialist

I can tell you Tom Runs a class act ,If any of you dont know .He and his company make a Good bit of the driveshafts and sye kits for the offroad market . If anyone could do it ,His company would be able to

III2for3III I stand corrected.

Joined Jan 1, 2012

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188 Posts

I have a brand new custom driveshaft for a 3.7l, just saying

2011 jeep grand cherokee u joint replacement

Joined Nov 2, 2010

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1,752 Posts

I wonder if the yolks can be modded to acept the style with the inner clips like this:

just machine the inner part of the yolks to the right width, seems easy enough....easier then putting groves in the outer ends anyways.

2011 jeep grand cherokee u joint replacement

Joined Dec 22, 2010

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6,682 Posts

Discussion Starter · #15 · Feb 6, 2013

The shop I went to was too busy to take a look at my issue.

2011 jeep grand cherokee u joint replacement

Joined May 27, 2012

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720 Posts

I've only been around for a short time I'm surprised no one has come up with a fix for this.

Joined Jan 1, 2012

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188 Posts

2011 jeep grand cherokee u joint replacement

Joined Dec 22, 2010

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6,682 Posts

Joined Jan 1, 2012

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188 Posts

Joined Jan 1, 2012

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188 Posts

How much does it cost to replace your U

The average cost to replace a drive shaft u-joint is $240-$290 for parts and labor.

How do I know if my u

If a u-joint is excessively worn, there's an easy test you can perform. With your foot on the brake, shift the car into reverse. Then, shift into drive. If the vehicle makes a clunking sound, or you can feel it knock one time after engagement, a u-joint is likely the culprit.

Can I replace U

The truth is that with a few sockets you probably already have in the toolbox, a hammer, and a basic bench vise, you can easily knock out worn U-joints and wrap up the repair as an afternoon project.

Should you replace both U

So when you need to replace a u-joint, always replace the other one too. If you don't, the other one will fail sooner or later. The failure of that u-joint will cause damage to the new u-joint (that replaced the first one). It's always better to replace both u-joints at once.