In this video I take you through the process of replacing U-Joints in an aluminium driveshaft out of an older Chevrolet G-20 van. This one had a little damage on the end of it making it a tad difficult. -Enjoy!
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50 thoughts on “U-joint replacement: aluminium driveshaft”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tickle Tackle Cum Hunter says:

    try arm and hammer essentials deodorant. i used to use the one that rips your pit hairs out, this one is a gel and leaves your hair in.

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Charlie Lambert says:

    i usually use vice to hold opposed cross & hammer yoke to drive caps up, use socket or ball joint press on alum side.

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Sam Rap says:

    Good job wear eye protection next time.
    I’m sure we all want to continue to see your videos

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars GreatNorthernTroll says:

    Been there, done that, bought the driveshaft! 🤣👍

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Nick Dolphin says:

    Hey Eric, I really appreciate this. My '67 LS-D200 Sweptline now has a 5.3l/4l60e with "aluminium" driveshaft running to the original Spicer rear. Rear u-joint blew it's caps, luckily not the 2 that go through the driveshaft, otherwise it'd be toast. This video answered a few questions that were pinging about in my brain compartment. Thanks as always!

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Michael Michaud says:

    thanks for the help. the 2×4 worked great. I put my ujoints in the freezer so after the shaft and yoke were cleaned up assembly went really smooth with my vice.

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Sam Baxter says:

    Use a ball joint press perfect size

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars chris cash says:

    You do a great job Butt , If you are going to make all that money ,You should do it in a speedo . You know give them their monies worth . lol

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars patrick skaggs says:

    Erie i like the way you try to repair things at lease you try your best to get the job done some how. And not just stand around with a finger in your ass. Even it you had to get another drive shaft you can say you tried your best that means alot to customers . Good job anyway keep up the good jobs and those videos.

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Larry Fry says:

    That's the nice thing about working with U-joints that have the 'internal' C-clips; no cleaning of old grooves…..

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Travis says:

    y u beatin on em with a hammer?? lol :p

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Esteb says:

    I always tell my boss I have my safety eyelids on.

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ED Harry says:

    Good job with an Old Part . Eric you took the time to make it right !

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Oby-1 says:

    Damn aluminum for driveshafts.

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Daddyoh says:

    Take it to a driveshaft shop that has a new end welded on and balanced.

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Richard Ploeser says:

    A brake Cylinder hone will do the cleaning too!

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Alex Suniga says:

    Awesome videos man your doing an excellent job on your customers vehicle if I'm ever in the NY area I definitely swing by your shop. 👍

  18. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Johnny Sechrist says:

    I've always used a balljoint kit for u joints. Hope you aint gotta get out the dremel and cut a new groove. Had to do that a few times. Sat on a concrete floor with a socket and a hammer when I did my first ujoints. Tell you missus I ended up at the Duke eye center even though I had safety glasses and a cap on….rust from cutting a muffler off with air chisel three days later. Alum driveshaft was sure a stupid move by chevy

  19. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Frank Stewart says:

    When I’m doing this after driving one cap on I then insert a snap ring. When you put in the opposite side your opposite side is already in place. Unless the snap ring groove is damaged of course.

  20. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars olehemlock says:

    I bet a tow truck driver beat the drive shaft off the rear end so he could drag the vehicle is what caused the damage at the end of the shaft.

  21. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Lex T says:

    Thanks for the video. I'll be replacing the front u-joint on my '94 Chevy C1500 with aluminum driveshaft. The original non-greasable u-joint made it to 296K.

  22. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars blaser51 says:

    A great job as far as I am concerned. No one listens anyway !!

  23. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ronald Brosius says:

    Torch off the steel end u-joint, then the heat usually allows the caps to move pretty easily

  24. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Josh Fenton says:

    You worked that shaft like a pro!

  25. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Paul D says:

    Bob Ross died of cancer from breathing paint thinner fumes!!!
    I'm sure you breathing all that brake cleaner you use is gonna give ya some form of Cancer!!

  26. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Terry Young says:

    If I have a hard time getting u joints out I get out the grinder with a cut off wheel and cut the cross

  27. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars elwhastrummer says:

    Someone already commented this… you like to make noise!! For sure! I know this, because… I do too… love hammering on my empty table, stuff bouncing all over, echoing in my shop.. LOL

  28. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars N. B. P. Davenport says:

    If you have to beat that thing in , it's not going anywhere

  29. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars N. B. P. Davenport says:

    Glue it in with some Loctite don't worry about those clips

  30. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars N. B. P. Davenport says:

    Bro ,, just on one U-joint you worked your ass off ,, now another?

  31. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars N. B. P. Davenport says:

    Sorry bro I got to give you a thumbs down on this one

  32. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars N. B. P. Davenport says:

    Man I watched you get that U-joint out I was tired you made that work and you didn't have to

  33. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars N. B. P. Davenport says:

    Always technology we don't have a better unit than a U-joint

  34. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars N. B. P. Davenport says:

    Quit playing with that thing

  35. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars N. B. P. Davenport says:

    Some heat gets a torch out make some smoke

  36. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars jlwoot says:

    It's cool when my idea of a repair and yours happens at the same time…..The Dremel tool comes through again for the little stuff repair!

  37. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars James Lewis says:

    Imma use that block of wood tip in about ten min. Thanks man I was cruising the tube looking for good ideas on ujoint replacement after I rebuilt my trans and that's all I got left to do before cruising. Thanks

  38. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Chris Stobart says:

    Yeah duh-walt. I take her for long walks through junk. She loves me even though I put her through hell.

  39. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars dfb1111 says:

    A ball type wheel cylinder hone also cleans up the U-joint bores nicely.

  40. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mike Studmuffin says:

    aluminum driveshaft?

  41. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars John Vrba says:

    Your brother probably has a ujointpress.
    Works wonders

  42. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ricky Dockins says:

    Arre you going to send out that damage drive shaft to a customer do you trust it ? And the right tool to do the work you don't beat on aluminum drive shafts

  43. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Roger Davenport says:

    Many years ago, probably 30-35 years, had to replace the u-joints on a Caddy. Factory joints do not use cir-clips they put them together with a type of epoxy cement. Steel driveshaft. To get them apart you had to use a torch and heat them to the point when the epoxy blows out like a small cannon shot. New u-joints used the cir-clips. If anyone runs into this situation, Make sure to use a Face Shield, that hot epoxy shoots out like a fire hose

  44. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars wes c says:

    When you installed the U Joint cross you didn't show which bearing goes 'UP'.

  45. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jon Miner says:

    Hi, Eric. I am enjoying your old vids. The re-groove with the Dremel was brilliant. Thanks for sharing! Stay Healthy!

  46. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Shannon Duff says:

    after you had the first cap off of the damaged end of the shaft and the joint wouldn't come out without the other cap being pushed back thru you could have cut 1 end of the joint off with a cut off wheel on a grinder and taken it out that way…then take the cap out by pushing it thru the center…been there done that….you are good at what you do

  47. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Hank Kingsley says:

    So do you always use the British pronunciation of Aluminum, or is that like a Honder? I see you spelled it the British way; where did you pick that up?

  48. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Yo Slick says:

    Wife walks in and says does he have any bigger hammers? Lol

  49. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars douglas pierce says:

    liquid wrench the best. been around since i was helping my dad on his old jeep. i'm 73. project farm likes it also. great vid. love your show

  50. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Stevan Rose says:

    Wow 😮 you saved that one. But I would tell the customer that they should expect to buy a new driveshaft for the next go around.
    I used to have my driveshafts rebuilt when I had my dump truck but they were steel and they could weld a new end on them.

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