U joint replacement

[pmgeiss]

I have an old NH 56 side delivery rake in dire need of a main drive shaft and u joint replacement. I tried taking it apart last night but can't get the u joint caps out of the yoke that comes out of the gearbox. I got the ones lose form the shaft and have removed the half keys that hold them in. Can any one give me an idea on how to break this lose so I can put in a new u joint and shaft?

 

[Tx Jim]

After clips have been removed a vice and a BIG HAMMER

 

[Reg]

What Tx Jim said (-:
The "trick" is to support the shaft exactly right on the vice with the cross halves that you want out vertical (don't need to HOLD it) then beat the cross.
It may come out once the first cap pops out, or you my need to flip it and beat the other side (180 degrees).

It looks brutal the first time you see someone else do it, but if the shaft is supported close to the cross it won't damage anything.

 

[Willl]

Some old sockets come in real handy doing this.

 

[Willl]

Also, take a look at some of these U-Tube vids.

U joint replacement - YouTube

 

[pmgeiss]

I used it for the 2-3 acres over the weekend and it held together. Now I have about 30 days to figure it out. I have to figure out how to support the cross shaft appropriately while installed on the rake. Hmmm.... Otherwise sounds like a major hammer to break it loose and get it out. Thanks for the you tube videos. Some really gave good ideas and to see it as well is great!

 

[crazyal]

I use the socket trick. I put a large enough socket so the cap can go inside it on one side and a small enough socket to go through the hole in the yoke on the other. Then tighten up with a vice. You may need to use a piece of metal between the yoke to keep the ears from bending. I've only had limited success with a hammer. Usually I end up doing more damage while trying to hold something on the end of the cap and trying to get a good enough swing to hit it hard. If the gearbox is still on the attachment then you may want to look into removing the yoke from the input shaft so you can put it in a vice.

If you have the room and a few bucks I would suggest getting a shop press. Since getting a 20ton one I have never had any problems with u-joints or pressed on bearings. After years of struggles in the past having it puts a smile on my face each time I use it and effortlessly push something on or off.

 

[sixdogs]

I did the yokes on a 256 rake and for some reason I needed a "special tool" for the U-joints. I can't remember but it was no more than a piece of pipe maybe 2" diameter by 2" long. It was mentioned in the 256 owner's manual and I believe I needed it for the yoke removal. try to find an owner's manual and take a look. I might---might---have one somewhere but am not sure.