Been increasingly concerned lately about a tinkling somewhere in the rear part of the transmission tunnel. Despite myself and because we are doing the Help for Heroes track-day on Sunday I've had a quick look tonight. Unfortunately I reckon it's the UJ just ahead of the diff.
Now it's a long time since I did a UJ. Can someone please remind me how difficult it is to do. I seem to recall using sockets to press it out then new one in but also having to take care not to crush the needles?
I'm assuming it's a Ford part as the diffs Escort.
Any suggestions gratefully received.
Cheers, Pewe

The first question is whether the joint is staked in or held in by circlips?

If it's staked you'll have to take the shaft to a specialist.

If it's circliped then you can do it yourself. Only thing to watch is that you don't dislodge any rollers while pressing the cups in, if you cannot press the cups all the way home then chances are you've dislodged a roller and it is lying in the bottom of the cup, don't force the cups home they should go reasonably easy.

Cheers
Davie

Thanks, Davie. Managed to take it apart tonight - looks OK but it's off to the local Ford dealer tomorrow as it seems silly to put the old one back in for the sake of what I assume is £10.
Cheers, Pewe

[Edited on 3/6/09 by pewe]