how to change a u joint on a brush hog driveshaft

   / how to change a u joint on a brush hog driveshaft #1  

riant

New member
Joined
Sep 4, 2009
Messages
3
Location
Flint, MI
Tractor
2008 Kubota B7800
I haven't done this in awhile, & am having problems getting the old u joint out of the yoke on my Howse brush hog driveshaft. The old ring-type PTO end froze up & had to be destroyed to get it off. While I'm replacing the front yoke, I might as well replace the u joint. How does it come outa there?? I have pulled the circlips & pounded out the universal to a point it feels solid & won't move anymore, but it isn't clear of the other side of the yoke.
 
   / how to change a u joint on a brush hog driveshaft #2  
i had to replace the u-joint on my bushhog a few weeks ago. it was one of the hardest id ever gotten out. i had to beat on it many different and creative ways for almost an hour. do make sure all your snap-rings are out and then just go to it.
 
   / how to change a u joint on a brush hog driveshaft
  • Thread Starter
#3  
Thanks.
I was hoping there was a trick to it...the mosquitos came out heavy tonight; I'll hit it hard in the morning.
 
   / how to change a u joint on a brush hog driveshaft #4  
If you don't get the cross started on a straight path out of the yoke hole, it'll jam. Spray it with some penetrating oil, then look through your old sockets for one about the same diameter as the cross. Put the socket in the yoke hole, then hammer the socket to push the cross all the way through. I also find a little 3 pound sledge is more effective (in conjunction with the socket of course) than a finish or framing hammer.

//greg//
 
   / how to change a u joint on a brush hog driveshaft #5  
I always preferred a large vice, rather than beating on my sockets. (I still use the sockets when I can't find a piece of stock the right size)
David from jax
 
   / how to change a u joint on a brush hog driveshaft #6  
Amen on the sockets and vice. After soaking a few minutes with PB Blaster, I just set the u-joint up in the vice with a socket on both sides. One needs to be small enough to go through the u-join saddle and the other large enough to catch the u-joint cap.

Just good heavy steady pressure and they'll come right on out. I would NOT start beating on them with a hammer, especially on new ones that are going back in. You'll know needle bearings loose and end up having to trash the u-joint. Ask me how I know!

I just pulled mine apart just for inspection and repacking. Nada problem-o.
 
   / how to change a u joint on a brush hog driveshaft
  • Thread Starter
#7  
Thanks for all the input. I got the cross out OK, but now there is a problem finding the right U-joint and yoke on a holiday weekend. Ain't gonna happen. I found a close match at TSC, but it is kind of flimsy compared to the Howse driveshaft. Anyone know of a good on-line source for U-joints & yokes?
 
   / how to change a u joint on a brush hog driveshaft #8  
I just repaired a Eurocardan with parts from AgriSupply. You'd have to start by knowing who made the shaft that's on your Howse. But you're likely going to have the same long weekend problem with AgriSupply as well. I say this, because their online catalog doesn't really have enough detail to make sure you're clicking on the part number that you actually need. I had to phone in and give parts descriptions and measurements to a parts specialist.

//greg//
 
   / how to change a u joint on a brush hog driveshaft #9  
Remove old U-joint. OR....Measure diameter of bearing caps and width of cross (inc bearing caps) Head to NAPA. Go home and install. I use a hydraulic press, but a vice is just as good. Hammers work in a pinch.
 
   / how to change a u joint on a brush hog driveshaft #10  
I haven't done this in awhile, & am having problems getting the old u joint out of the yoke on my Howse brush hog driveshaft. The old ring-type PTO end froze up & had to be destroyed to get it off. While I'm replacing the front yoke, I might as well replace the u joint. How does it come outa there?? I have pulled the circlips & pounded out the universal to a point it feels solid & won't move anymore, but it isn't clear of the other side of the yoke.

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This is the way. Beating with hammers may get them out, but bad to get the new one in. Vises can bend, ask me how I know.

Having the right tools is half the job.
 
 
 
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