On the Chevy Tahoe, the universal joint connects the driveshaft to the rear axle. It is a u-joint design with internal bearings that wear out over time, and eventually needs replacement. Often the first symptoms of a worn u-joint is when you hear a loud clunk when shifting the vehicle out of park. As the u-joint continues to deteriorate, the drivetrain will vibrate or shudder. Replacement of the universal joint requires removal of the driveshaft.
Park your Tahoe on level ground. While it is possible to replace the u-joint while lifting the rear end of your Tahoe, you may want to use a hydraulic jack to raise the rear, then place it on jack-stands to gain additional space under the truck, Place wheel chocks to block the front wheels. Put the transmission into neutral.
Mark the u-joint where it connects with the companion flange on the rear differential with a permanent marker. Spray the u-joint liberally with penetrating oil, such as PB Blaster. Remove the u-joint strap bolt, then pull back on the driveshaft (towards the front of the Tahoe) to release the driveshaft. You may need to use a rubber mallet or similar device to get the driveshaft to release.
Remove the caps from the u-joint yoke. Later model year Chevys will have plastic caps built into the rear u-joint that need to be melted with heat, or removed with a press or a large pair of vice grips. If using heat, apply the heat from a blowtorch until the plastic pins melt. If you do not have access to a press, you can place the u-joint into a vice clamp, then use a deep well 3/4-inch socket and a sledgehammer to pound the plastic cap out from the bottom of the u-joint.
Remove the bearing cap clips from the yoke with a pair of locking pliers, then remove the u-joint from the driveshaft.
Slide the new u-joint onto the driveshaft, then press new caps into the u-joint yolk. Use locking pliers to lock new snap rings over the u-joint caps.
Re-install the driveshaft with the replaced u-joint, making sure to torque down the strap bolts to 35 foot-pounds with a torque wrench.
