U joint replacement?

2001 JEEP CHEROKEE

189,000 MILES • V6 • 4WD • MANUAL

THOULE91

MEMBER
1 POST

I have the u joint replaced on the driveshaft just fine. However, the spindle where the u joint sits to the rear axle, where the brackets are, the bolts from the old brackets or broken in the holes. I'm using a screw extractor kit, but I'm not really making any progress. This is day 3 that I'm under the vehicle and nothing seems to be making a difference. What am I doing wrong?

Jan 30, 2024 at 7:21 AM

STRAILER

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
54,832 POSTS

It sounds like the U joint cup retainer mounting bolts have broken. Here are videos on how to extract or drill out the broken bolts:

https://youtu.be/py-rIWATchY?si=diGqbrUBSyf87TZO

and

https://youtu.be/YDt5OUIZTs0?si=AM_uoLt7a3i_MFDe

Also, here is how to remove the driveshaft to avoid any confusion. Check out the images (below). Please upload pictures or videos in your response to the problem so we can see what's going on.

Images (Click to enlarge)

Professional Diagram for 2CarPros Members
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Jan 30, 2024 at 10:54 AM