Can you replace the universal joints and carrier bearing on the drive shaft?
Yes can and here is how.
The following is what I used on a standard transmission short bed truck. I think this will apply to most of the Mazda Driveshafts.
Front U-Joint replacement = Neapco 1-0431
Carrier Bearing = DS8551 and middle universal joint = Neapco 1-1610
Rear U-Joint replacement = Neapco 1-0431
CAP DIAMETER FOR BOTH : 0.947 (24MM)
These are a direct replacement for the factory staked u-joints
Autozone sells a Duralast brand with a different number Part Number: 2-0431DL (at the time of this writing, 2017)
The Center or Carrier bearing U-Joint is larger = Neapco 1-1610
CAP DIAMETER: 1.103 (28MM)
Autozone sells a Duralast brand with a different number Part Number: 1-1610DL
Be careful getting the old ones out, being careful not to damage your shaft or the flanges where the u-joints mount up.
They can be pressed out with a Hydraulic Press if you have one. Some people have used a large C style Clamp.
Once the bearings are out, clean your staked burs with a Dremel if you have one. If not you can gently use a round file, but take your time.
Do not take off more than needed, just clean it up.
Watch several youtube videos on this procedure to get a feel for how this job is completed.
If you are not careful you can damage the yoke and have a vibration that you will never get out and you will soon be ordering a new driveshaft from Texas at the rate of $500. Ask me how I know this….
Here are some good videos to watch on this before you get started.
Watch the videos “Staked in U Joint Replacement” from bootsnthejeep on youtube.
This guy has 17 videos on doing the staked in u joints. He does it without a hydraulic press.
Here is a video from Silent Dawn doing a carrier bearing replacement.
His taste in music while doing automotive work is impeccable. Rock on Silent Dawn!
When doing this project, use a paint pen to mark everything so that when you put all back as it was and do not lose the phase of driveshaft causing it to be out of balance.
While you are replacing your universal joints, it is a good idea to also replace your carrier bearing or as some call it the center support bearing.
This is what I used and it worked for me if you have a Standard Transmission – RockAuto WESTAR DS8551
I have ordered one and it felt rough to spin, but I had another and it worked good.
I have replaced two of these.
You will need a large 3 jaw puller to separate the yoke, and I believe it was a 26 mm socket.
Here are some pictures after the drive shaft was completely redone.
This is what was used.
Front = Neapco 1-0431
Carrier Bearing = DS8551 and middle universal joint = Neapco 1-1610
Rear = Neapco 1-0431
