# Should I replace u joint?

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/should-i-replace-u-joint/190166>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [April 18, 2023, 7:07pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/should-i-replace-u-joint/190166 "2023-04-18T19:07:10Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Showing post:** 7

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**Author:** ![George\_San\_Jose1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e5b9ba/32.png) [@George\_San\_Jose1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/George_San_Jose1)\
**Post date:** [April 18, 2023, 11:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/should-i-replace-u-joint/190166/7 "2023-04-18T23:44:35Z")

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Individual U-joints shouldn’t have any noticeable play when twisting on them hands on each side/ The overall linkage from the transmission output, through the driveshaft, then differential, and then axle shaft will normally have some play though. I did that measurement on my truck’s rear wheels recently, around 4 degrees of play at the wheel as I recall.

Common causes for these sorts of clunks

- idle rpm too high
- worn u-joint
- 2 part driveshaft needs its splines to be re-lubed
- suspension system , especially the springs & spring mounts

> [@Checking Ford 9 inch differential play](https://community.cartalk.com/t/checking-ford-9-inch-differential-play/189647/22):
>
> Got around to measuring rear wheel play, at outer edge of 27" diameter tire. Brakes released, other wheel on ground, in Park. 1 inch of play. Wheel circumference = pi \* d = 85 inches. 1 inch out of 85 inches = 4.2 degrees of play.

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