Do you already have the new u-joints? (To give you an idea of what should fit where) To let you know-even with the drive shaft out, the u joints are still going to need to be pressed out while on the machine (at lease half of each end that is attached to machine). It takes ALOT of pressure...i had to use a c-clamp and then put a vise grips on the end of that to get it to turn some more (probably why i broke three c clamps) Make sure that you take the half apart on each end that allows you to work on the other end on your work bench!

Pictures are still going to be very hard to see where the clips go...they should be just inside the cast u and snap onto the caps through the little groove. If the caps are that bad, the clips may be gone too! If you really think that pictures would help, let me know, and I can go out and get some pics! Did you look at step by step online? It really does clear up some of these questions!

 

I'll run home on lunch and grab some shots for you to show you what I have to work with. I'm unable to find a step by step for my machine. Everything is for the rear shaft and nothing on how to do mine.

 

And yes images would help. I can work better when seeing what everything is.

 

They are all the same idea...whether it is a rear, front, car, truck, four wheeler...a u-joint is a u-joint. Post some pics and I will see if I can give any more clear advice.

 

I am in the process of getting some pictures uploaded...The only thing that I had was the ujoints already in the quad. I have also already filled mine with grease, so the pics are not the best. I took a picture of the front where the drive shaft goes in to give you an idea of where the snap ring fits. To really have the best shot at finding the clips, I would use a parts cleaner and an old tooth brush to clean them all up and get the grime off and really see what you've got! The clips fit just inside the brown cast stubs in the pictures---that is how you know that you have the caps pushed in far enough! The pictures I took are hard to see anything-hard to take a pic without removing the guard and the wheels! I will check out what you post and see if I can assist any further-what does a shop want to do these? I didnt even call one and ask.

 

Ok so here is what I’ve got. Ran home on my lunch break to snag some pictures and a video. Everything is about as clean as I could make it, but I will get a tooth brush and some more brake clean to help it all out. I’ve have an air hammer tonight so hopefully I wont have to kill myself with a c-clamp anymore. Follow the link to you tube to see the video I made of the u-joint at the motor. The front one (near the differential) I’m not all that worried about because its actually in there pretty solid and doesn’t have any play. The back one… well you will see.
I think one clip is missing and I believe I can get the other one. That might be all that is hanging me up right now. what are your thoughts on what you can see from my pictures?






YouTube - ‪Wolverine u-joint‬‏

 

From looking at your pictures and video I have come to the conclusion that you need new u joints! With as worn as your caps are, it appears that you may be able to wiggle the joint out without removing the caps for the two that connect to the motor, then that other part you can do on your bench. Did you find the snap ring that is holding the drive shaft in? Once you take that pressure off, there may be enough wiggle room and as brittle as it may be, you may get the joint out without the caps off-then you can just pop each cap out with a hammer and punch. Did you order new joints? It seemed that you needed were concerned about the clips being missing...if you ordered from most places, new clips should come with the new ujoints...if you ordered from yamaha, i think you have to order the clips separately...if you find yourself short on clips at your project it going...leave me your address and I will mail you a clip-I gathered mine up before I swept the floor!

Like i said earlier, i had to use a cut off wheel and cut the u joint to get the project moving--just cussing at it wasn't working! Keep posting back with questions and let me know how it is going! I was going to use a torch and apply heat to the old ones, but my nuts weren't feeling big enough to run the torch with a tank of gas right where all of the heat was going!

 

I dint have time to look or the snap ring. It's on the yoke against the engine, right? I'll be home in about an hour and will start again and post more.

 

The snap ring is right on the splines where the drive shaft comes out of the yoke and goes toward the front. If you slide the drive shaft forward toward the front diff and allow that spring to compress you will see it on the opposite end of the spring. There is also one on the spring end that would accomplish the same thing. Good Luck!

 

Yah! Got them out. My brother in law came over with his air compressor and air hammer. Took all of 10 minutes. The clips were the hardest part. Going pessimism the new ones in tomorrow. Any tips on that part? I found the snap ring too and oh man did that help. I had such a hard time seeing those clips before. Thanks for all the info and help. It is greatly appreciated.

Matt