New front u joints not working properly

Tiny
JIM 998
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 JEEP CHEROKEE
  • 4.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 220,000 MILES
I just replaced both front u joints because they were shot. The new ones are fine in 2 wheel drive but when in 4 wheel they start to fight back when you take more than a medium turn. I have only driven maybe 1 mile. Should I drive more to see if they improve or do I need to take back apart?
Saturday, August 15th, 2020 AT 5:02 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Which transfer case do you have? Do you have the full time (NV242 ) or the 2WD transfer case (NV231)? Do you have an option that says 2WD, Full Time 4WD, part Time 4WD, 4LO? Or does it say 2WD, 4x4, 4 LO?

Let me know which your selector says and that will determine what could be happening. Also, when you are putting it in 4WD, what selection are you making?
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Saturday, August 15th, 2020 AT 5:41 PM
Tiny
JIM 998
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I have the 2 wheel drive transfer case and 2wd 4x4 or 4 low we are using the 4x4 position.
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Sunday, August 16th, 2020 AT 8:43 AM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Okay. That is what I suspected. Take a look at the attachment with the highlighted area. This sounds normal due to this so if the vehicle drives normally except when turning in 4WD, I would not worry about it.

Does that make sense?
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Sunday, August 16th, 2020 AT 6:32 PM
Tiny
JIM 998
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thank you, the answer was great when I read it without making me feel too stupid.
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Monday, August 17th, 2020 AT 5:06 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Haha. I hope I never make anyone feel stupid. We are here to help so please come back next time you need some info. Thanks for using 2CarPros.
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Monday, August 17th, 2020 AT 7:14 PM

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U Joint Replacement
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U Joint Replacement
A uni­ver­sal joint (u-joint) is used to con­nect a ve­hi­cle’s drive shaft to the dif­fer­en­tial on one side and the trans­mis­sion on the other. Rear wheel drive ve­hi­cles have...
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