Steering ujoint with zerk

[Mainer311]

The 338 u-joint outside edge to outside edge of grooves is 1.50" You can get away with slightly less than that because the clips are more narrow than the grooves. 1.55 to 1.60 might work.

[Linda]

Thx, guys. Will try that--

Linda

[Linda]

I did some file work on the yokes, then decided to measure. I am getting a width of 1.508 at the top and 1.532 and 1.522 on the other 2 sides on one yoke. Should things be more even? Suggestion was 1.55 or 1.60 so I am in the ballpark, but don't know how precise this part needs to be. I know I need a bit more anyway...
. I wondered about cleaning up the bore more also, should I use wet/dry sandpaper?
I did zap the steering bolts on the car with PB Blaster too.
The more info the better for others following along.
Linda

IMG_20170209_175210989.jpg

[Mainer311]

As long as you can install the clips, it doesn't matter if the surface is flat or not. I used a pretty wide file, so mine weren't too bad.

[Linda]

I used a 1" flat file from HF(where else?) which got the surfaces smooth and flat and 1.55" approx wide. Ujoint and caps and clips installed smoothly with enough grease and the loaner Ujoint tool from AutoZone:

IMG_20170223_142746627.jpg

Just needs a bit of paint. The straight zerk is at the top so adding grease periodically means sliding the top steering shaft back then inserting the grease hose thru the top of the housing.
One less part sitting around...
Linda

[Mainer311]

Nice job Linda. You're right, greasing it wouldn't be too bad if you just unbolted the steering shaft and slid it back.

I'm not sure if you own a bench vise, but you can also press u-joints in using a small socket on one side, with a large socket acting as a cup on the opposite side. I noticed that my yokes were flexing while pressing mine together, so I inserted a small piece of steel cut to 1.5" between the hoops to keep the yokes from bending inwards. Worked pretty well.

[Linda]

Thanks. I am aware of the vise and socket method, seems like a good method.
For spreading the ujoint ears in case they got bent, one guy suggested some threaded rod, with some large fender washers and nuts on the inside which you turn against each other to spread the part a bit.
Now I hope the old part comes off so that I can install this one..
Linda

[pebbles]

Now I hope the old part comes off so that I can install this one..
Linda

No problem for you

I have been working on a single center console screw for two years......

[Mainer311]

Mine wouldn't come off. It doesn't help that there's no room to work down there either. I separated the steering shaft first, then pulled the u-joint assembly out with the steering box still attached.