What is a U-Joint, and what will happen if I don't replace them?

A U-joint is a key part of the driveshaft of your truck, it connects segments of the driveshaft. If you don't replace worn U-joints, they will eventually snap, and once they do, your engine will no longer be able to spin the rear wheels because the driveshaft will no longer be a complete link from engine to wheels.

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RE:

What is a U-Joint, and what will happen if I don't replace them?

I have a 2004 F-150, and I was told by a mechanic that the U-Joints are getting bad on the rear and need replaced. What will happen if I put this off?

A u-joint is a universal joint that allows the driveshaft to continue applying torque to the rear axle as the truck goes down the road and pivots to allow for the up and down and rotational motion of the axle as you go through dips and up driveways and such at an angle. You might get play in the u-joint causing it to move unnecessarily or it may break causing damage to some parts of the driveline like the trans, rear end, or driveshaft. All three of those will be more expensive than your $10-$20 U-joints.

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the drive shaft will break will happen at any time even driving down the road and can do serious damage last one i worked on what happened was the front u-joint broke on a F-350 and took out the transfer case the brake line and put a hole in the bed he was going 70 mph down the highway

if they get bad enough to drop out, you are all done where ever it happens. If the front U joint drops out while you are driving, it can tip you over, or cause you to run off the road with no control

In worse case, it can break off, and the drive shaft will be whipping against underneath of your truck, destroy exhaust, gas tank, brake and fuel lines, come out of the transmission and hit people and cars behind you. Use you imagination, its a cheap fix comparing to the damage it can do.

Your drive shaft could fly off crusing at 75 on the freeway, and your funeral shortly after. Get them replaced yours and yer familys safety depend on it

the u-joint is what hooks the drive shaft up to the rear end. if it breaks then your drive shaft will fall out. i would,nt be putting it off too long or it could leave you sitting. if it breaks in the front and falls out and catches the right way it can flip your truck.

Can bad u-joints cause vibration?