U-Joint replacement

[Katfish]

Any way to replace the u-joints without a press?
See a couple of youtubes where they just beat it out with a hammer.
Looks doable that way, but seems dicey.

Any other tricks or tips?

[dodj]

Before I had a press I used my vise to push on the ujoint cups. You still needed to use a hammer to finish the removal job though. Vise doesn't have enough travel to do it on its own.

[Cudajason]

Agreed. I have used a vice and a socket as a spacer. Worked like a charm.

Jason

[chargerdon]

yep, just place it supported, with under open, put a 5/8 inch old socket on top, and beat it with a hammer...it will come out ...oh make sure you remove the clips first !!!  lol

[RUNCHARGER]

Yup: I usually don't take the time to even use a vice. Just on the floor with some sockets and a hammer.

[Swamp Donkey]

I use my ball joint removal tool.  It's like a big c-clamp with a hole in the bottom end.  With my big Milwaukee cordless impact, it's so quick and easy.  The hammer and socket method does work, but I am a bit of a wild man with a hammer and have damaged yokes etc before that way.  And wrecked sockets.  But it does work.

[JS29]

  Ball joint tool is the best tough. 

[Bullitt-]

   That's what I recall using.. I believe those are available trough many auto parts "loan-a-tool" programs..

like this

https://www.autozone.com/loan-a-tools/loaner-ball-joint-press-adapter/powerbuilt-ball-joint-and-u-joint-press-set-23-piece/449947_0

[JS29]

Yes that will get the job done. 

[R/T's 4 R/P]

without a press a vise works great, as noted above.
In a pinch I have used a large C-Clamp...large socket on one end to allow the bearing to slide into it, and a smaller socket to push.

[Katfish]

Thx for all the replies,

I was reluctant to go at it with a hammer, so I rented the ball joint tool kit from AutoZone and it worked like a charm.

Feels good to do it yourself and know it's done right.
Doesn't hurt saving $40 the guy at machine shop wanted to do it.