Joint problems

Metallic knocks when starting off and when driving with twisted wheels signal the need to replace the universal joint.

Unfortunately, this is a rather expensive repair, mainly due to the high price of the hinge.

The vast majority of cars, as well as vans, are front-wheel drive, so joint problems are a concern for most drivers. The durability of the joints varies greatly and depends mainly on the driving style of the driver and the condition of the rubber surface.

If the coating will be damaged, sand and water will get inside, the joint will fail very quickly, as metal knocks will report. Replacing a hinge is not a complicated or expensive operation (50 to 90 PLN), but buying the element itself can cost a lot.

Dear ASO

The outer joints near the wheels are the most likely to be damaged because they have much more severe operating conditions than the inner joints, which are located near the gearbox.

Joint prices vary greatly. Replacement for popular cars with not very powerful engines can be bought for about PLN 150-200. However, in ASO, the price of a joint can make you dizzy, because sometimes you have to pay more than PLN 1500. Such a high price is due to the need to purchase a joint with a cardan shaft, since this is a complete set. This is not dictated by technological considerations, because replacement ones can only be bought by joint and can be replaced without problems in any workshop, or even independently, with some experience.

The exchange is not difficult. Most cars have McPherson suspension, so you just need to unscrew the nut on the hinge, the kingpin bolt and after by tilting the knuckle and pulling the inner joint out of the box, the driveshaft is now pulled out.

All you need is a hammer

The theory is very simple, but problems can arise in practice. The hinge very often "sticks" in the hub. Then you can help yourself with a hammer, but you can not hit too hard, as this can damage the bearing.

Another problem that we may encounter is the conical connection of the pin. A puller is required to remove the pin. Some people use a hammer for this purpose, and if we do not have access to the device, we can also try. However, you must be careful and aim well so as not to deal damage. It should be remembered that we are not hitting the axis of the finger, but the body of the steering knuckle, perpendicular to the axis of the finger. Under the influence of vibrations, even after one blow, the pin must be able to be removed.

If you manage to remove the driveshaft, the next problem may be removing the old joint. In some cars (like the Daewoo Tico) this is very easy and you don't even need to remove the driveshaft to replace the joint.

All you need to do is open a special ring and the hinge will fall off the axle shaft. Unfortunately, in other cars, you have to put in a lot of effort. There are special tools for this, but most workshops do not have them and a larger hammer is used to tap the connection. Usually one strong blow is enough.

The new connection is much easier to insert. Before installing a new hinge, be sure to install the rubber boot. The kits include a special lubricant that must be completely used up. Assembly is much easier. Just do not forget to put a new nut on the connection, tighten it with the appropriate force, and then fix it from scrolling.

Approximate prices for external drive joints

Make and model	Joint price (PLN)
Alfa Romeo 156 1.9 JTD	185 (4 MAX) 364 (Speed)
Audi 80 2.0E	196 (4 MAX) 246 (Speed)
Fiat Uno 1.0 ie	134 (4 MAX) 167 (Speed)
Honda Civic 1.4 i	216 (4 MAX) 230 (Speed)
Opel Kadett E 1.4 i	190 (Hans Pris) 163 (4 MAX) 180 (Speed)
Peugeot 605 2.0	173 (4 MAX) 260 (Speed)
Volvo C40 2.0T	416 (Speed)