Used u-joint question

[MikeT]

I purchased a used u-joint with 7800 miles on it a year ago from pin wall.  it seems very tight when you move it in one direction and looser in the other direction.  in other words one pair of bearings on the cross are very tight and the other pair loose.  there is no play in either direction.  I am in need of it and am just curious for an opinion if its ok
thanks, Mike

[Chrisj CMA]

put one end in a vise and grab the other with a vise grip and check it for rotational play.......any play, its a non player IMHO

[Gunslinger]

Umm, Replace the u-joint (The actual joint in between the two yolks) if you have any concern.

If the yolks/splines are good whats the problem?

[Chrisj CMA]

Umm, Replace the u-joint (The actual joint in between the two yolks) if you have any concern.

If the yolks/splines are good whats the problem?

Its not a rebuildable part.......just replace it if it is worn

[Ricky-D]

I purchased a used u-joint with 7800 miles on it a year ago from pin wall.  it seems very tight when you move it in one direction and looser in the other direction.  in other words one pair of bearings on the cross are very tight and the other pair loose.  there is no play in either direction.  I am in need of it and am just curious for an opinion if its ok
thanks, Mike

I'm sorry Mike, that's one of those things you shouldn't buy used. You can never tell about them or how the condition actually is.

Yours being loose and tight depending on the yoke would be an indication that it is in poor condition.

It's probably usable for a period of time but trying to predict how long it will last is not possible.

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[valkmc]

I just came in from replacing my u-joint, I was at first diappointed because when I removed the old one it seemed fine. My valk has driveline slop and it had gotten to the point that it bothered me, mostly while crusing at 55-60 and trying to maintain speed. I could feel a clunk if I changed let off or gave it gas. Anyway the old one 69,000 miles seemed fine but I put in the new one I got from HDL a few weeks ago. Took her for a test ride and there is a marked difference in the slop, most of it is gone. I did replace my wheel dampers last summer and that also help. She seems almost like new.

I would not bother with a used one, get a new one and you should be good to go.