How To Replace a U-Joint on Your ATV or UTV + Video

While we’d all rather be out riding than wrenching on our machines, occasionally things break and need to be fixed or replaced. That’s just the cost of ATV and UTV ownership. If your machine has a damaged or worn out u-joint, it’s best nip it in the bud and replace it straight away, as it can lead to much bigger and more expensive problems. The good news is learning how to replace a u-joint on your ATV or UTV is pretty straightforward.

How Do You Replace a Damaged U-Joint?

Check out the video from Rocky Mountain ATV/MC below to see exactly how to replace a damaged or worn out u-joint. There’s lots of great information here that could save you a lot of money and aggravation in the future.

How To Tell If You Have A Damaged U-Joint?

Before you break out the tools and buy the parts, you need to make to figure out what’s wrong. A damaged or worn out u-joint often results in squeaking when your machine starts moving. You might also hear a “clunk” when you put the ATV or UTV into gear or some extra vibration while riding down the trail.

What Happens If You Don’t Replace A Damaged U-Joint?

I’ve been known to let things slide a time or two when it comes to vehicle maintenance, but this is not a problem to mess with. If you don’t address this issue in time, it could lead to damage to the bearings on the differential and the transmission. If the u-joint breaks, it can damage driveshaft and yokes.

Motion Pro U-Joint Press Tool

If you are going to replace the u-joint in your machine, you should pick the a Pro U-Joint Press Tool. It will make your job a whole lot easier and help prevent damage to the driveshaft. A good kit will include a wide variety of adapters to fit most any size you need.

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Tusk U-Joint Kit

Tusk makes a direct OE replacement u-joint kit, which is currently up to 17% off (depending on your machine). It is made of SCM-415 cold forged steel with precision journals that are case hardened to HRC 58-61. Joints come pre-greased with hi-temp Lithium Complex 3 grease.

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Complete Drive Shafts

If your problems are a little bigger, you can also pick up a compete drive shaft. A host of options are available, though the All Balls Stealth Drive Front Pro Shaft is currently on sale.

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Other Tools

Should your garage or workshop not be completely loaded up with tools and related products, here are a few worth thinking about.

• Lever-Action Grease Gun
• Aluminum Vice Jaw Pads (Rubber Faced)
• Bel-Ray Waterproof Grease
• Bel-Ray Waterproof Grease Cartridge
• Maxima Contact Cleaner
• Tusk Safety Glasses
• Mechanix Fastfit Gloves

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