Universal Joints & Parts

Universal Joints, or U-Joints, allow a driveshaft to pivot as it transmits power to an axle assembly that moves up and down with the suspension as it reacts to the road surface. They are necessary to compensate for the change in angle between parts that results from this motion. A driveshaft has a U-Joint at the front and rear of the shaft. The front U-Joint connects the driveshaft with the transmission slip yoke and the rear with the differential yoke or flange.

The typical U-Joint consists of a cross, or trunnion, with needle bearings in hardened steel cups at each arm of the cross. The cups are pressed into corresponding bores in the driveshaft and yoke. Clips fit into grooves at the edge of each bore to retain the cups. Most factory U-joints are pre-lubricated with grease in each cup and the grease is retained with a seal at the base of each cup. Most aftermarket U-Joints are available with a grease zerk, which allows the grease to be replenished, extending the life of the U-Joint. When OEM joints become dry and worn, replacement is the only option.

Worn U-Joints cause a loud clunking noise when shifting gears and a vibration at speed. A squeaking noise when driving at low speeds may be from a U-Joint without lubricant. When inspecting U-Joints look for cracked, broken or missing grease seals, broken or missing clips, and red dust, indicating that the lubricant is gone and the needle bearings are grinding away. Turn the driveshaft back and forth, looking for play between the cups and cross arms. Push the driveshaft up and down underneath each arm of the cross, checking for end-play between the cross and cups. If any of these defects is present, replace the U-Joint.

You will find the right replacement in our store. We also offer U-Joints designed for use in high-performance cars. Here at CARiD you will find U-joints suitable not only for demanding automotive applications but also heavy duty ones designed for use in industrial scenes. Heavy duty U-Joints sold in our store are engineered to ensure your vehicle's peak performance that you can count on. Your commercial vehicle needs durable U-Joints with maximum wear resistance, so trust CARiD to provide you with that. We do our best to bring you a great selection of U-Joints at the most competitive prices.