https://ford-trucks.com/how-tos is the leading Ford Trucks resource for technical, DIY guides. The drive shaft in your F-150 is what delivers power from the transmission to your rear wheels. For the complete step-by-step article on how to replace your drive shaft and U-joints, please visit https://www.ford-trucks.com/how-tos/a/ford-f150-how-to-replace-drive-shaft-360783.
When the drive shaft and U-joints wear out, it’s a good idea to replace them along with the entire drive shaft assembly. Failure to do so could lead to them breaking, leaving you completely immobilized.
While this do-it-yourself job may sound intimidating, removing and installing a drive shaft is an easy process that should take you no more than two hours to complete. A new drive shaft costs between $250 and $650, and a new set of U-joints run for about $50 to $70 each. Compare these costs to more than $850 if you were to take your Ford truck to the mechanic.
For this project you will need a 12 mm wrench, large hammer, flat-ended punch tool, pliers, file, wheel bearing grease, WD-40, brake cleaner, four wheel chocks, transmission fluid, and shop rags.
Step 1 – Prep your truck
Always take the necessary safety precautions before starting a project that involves working under your truck.
First, park on flat, level ground and engage the parking brake. Chock all four wheels, placing the chocks on the outside ends of the tires. Following these steps will prevent your car from rolling freely once the drive shaft is removed.
Step 2 – Unbolt the drive shaft
Removing the drive shaft you can do yourself, but some assistance would make the process much easier. So, grab a friend to help you support the drive shaft while you remove it.
First spray the drive shaft bolts with WD-40 and allow it to sit for a few minutes. You can find the bolts at the rear end of the drive shaft and attached to the rear differential.
Using a 12 mm wrench, remove the drive shaft bolts. The rear end of the drive shaft should fall out of place so make sure it’s properly supported. With one end of the drive shaft removed, carefully pull the front end out from the transmission.
Step 3 – Remove the U-joint
Using a pair of pliers, remove the internal C-clips on both sides of the U-joint races. Simply squeeze the middle of the clip and it will pop right out. Soak the bearing races in WD-40 and then use a punch and hammer to push the race out from one side.
Again using the punch and hammer, knock out the second bearing race from the opposite side of the race you previously removed.
Lastly, remove the U-joint from the drive shaft and file down any dents or rough edges on the yoke.
Step 4 – Install the U-joint
Remove the two opposing bearing races from the new U-joint. Hold down the U-joint with one hand positioned on the yoke and use your other hand to carefully push in the first race. Lightly tap it to where you can install the C-clip, but don’t clip it just yet.
Be careful not to dislodge the needle bearings in the race. If you do, you’ll need to pull the race out and re-align the needle bearings. You’ll know if they’re misaligned if the race won’t slide into place.
Before installing the second bearing race, make sure it’s clean. Align it to the opposite end of the U-joint and press it firmly into place. Then use a hammer to knock in the race. If all goes well, it will easily slide into place. If it doesn’t, you will need to pull that race out and align the needle bearings once more.
Tap the bearing race until it lines up with the C-clip grooves, then snap the C-clips on both sides of the U-joint.
Step 5 – Install the drive shaft
To install the drive shaft, simply follow the removal process in reverse order. Start by sliding the front end of the drive shaft into the transmission. If you look at the splines of the drive shaft, you’ll notice there is one tooth missing; this is to properly line the drive shaft with the transmission. Once the front end is attached, line the rear end of the drive shaft to the differential and tighten down the 12 mm bolts.
Remember to check the fluid level in your transmission after completing this job, and top it off if necessary. Once you’ve done that, it’s time to test out your upgraded drivetrain and regain full control of your truck’s rear wheels.
For more information, please visit our article at https://www.ford-trucks.com/how-tos/a/ford-f150-how-to-replace-drive-shaft-360783
Post time: Jun-29-2017