[quote=bsalger;208117]i have a 97 disc with 110k miles on it. i bought it about a month ago. a week after i bought it, i started noticing a clicking noise from the front when i was slowing down between 20mph and 15mph. i was told this was the front u joints. can anyone tell me if this is true and if so, how many u joints will i need? also i would like to know how hard it to do it myself.
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I had the same symptoms, yes, it was U-joints. Same degree of difficulty as changing U-joints on any other car, in my opinion. Unbolt the flanges, press the joints out, replace. I have a hydraulic press. You can use C-clamps if you're clever. I had a friend who would hammer them out - more dangerous, requires some "touch," but possible.
Make sure the shaft splines move freely. Best to mark, slide apart and grease with a good spline lube, like Honda moly 100.
Generic joint is Precisoin #344, fairly generic GM U-joint. For some reason, first time I did this approx. 1999, it was about $8.00. Last year, about $27.00. In '99, the part at the dealer was $112.
Check the condition of the vibration absorbing coupler at the aft end of the rear shaft. If it shows significant cracking (rubber), replace it. About $120.
Good luck.
