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2003 Century steering u-joint

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by Image, Apr 18, 2016.

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  1. Apr 18, 2016 #1
    Image

    Image Light Load Member

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    Hey guys, I've got a bad u-joint on the steering shaft of my 2003 Century 120. It's the lower joint. Freightliner wants to sell me a whole shaft for almost $1200 in parts. Does anyone know if I can replace just the joint? And if so, do you happen to have a source or part number for it?
     
    Image, Apr 18, 2016
    Image, Apr 18, 2016
    #1
    NightRyder202 Thanks this.
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  3. Apr 18, 2016 #2
    mslashbar

    mslashbar Medium Load Member

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    elizabeth,co
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    You should be able to change out the u-joint. I've never done it on a freightliner, but done it many times on a pete and kw. Any major truck parts store should be able to hool you up.
     
    mslashbar, Apr 18, 2016
    mslashbar, Apr 18, 2016
    #2
    wore out Thanks this.
  4. Apr 18, 2016 #3
    lester

    lester Midwest's #1 Feed Hauler

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    Can't help specifically on that but just had the lower one replaced on my 01 Pete for under 100 for the joint
     
    lester, Apr 18, 2016
    lester, Apr 18, 2016
    #3
    wore out Thanks this.
  5. Apr 18, 2016 #4
    AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    Nothing to it. A guy should be able to change out a typical steer shaft u-joint himself with basic hand tools in 30 minutes or less.
     
    AModelCat, Apr 18, 2016
    AModelCat, Apr 18, 2016
    #4
    wore out Thanks this.
  7. Apr 18, 2016 #5
    wore out

    wore out Numbered Classic

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    CHASIN THE DEVIL'S HERD
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    I agree with all these guys. I haven't done it on your specific truck, but can't really think of one that isn't replaceable with a few hand tools.
     
    wore out, Apr 18, 2016
    wore out, Apr 18, 2016
    #5
  8. Apr 18, 2016 #6
    WitchingHour

    WitchingHour Road Train Member

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    I've changed out u-joints on steering shafts plenty of times, but never on a Freightliner. Call a different Freightliner dealership, give them the last six of the VIN, and they should be able to give you a part number. You can cross reference it to other manufacturers, as well, and probably find a compatible one at NAPA... that dealership seems like they're trying to milk you.
     
    WitchingHour, Apr 18, 2016
    WitchingHour, Apr 18, 2016
    #6
  9. Apr 18, 2016 #7
    Image

    Image Light Load Member

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    Well I got a chance to clean the grime off and take a look at it. It's s ZF part, and it doesn't have replaceable joints. The caps are actually crimped in place, no circlips. I pulled the shaft off and am going to stop by a used truck parts yard in the morning in search of a good one that isn't outrageously priced. I gotta call a local driveshaft place in the morning also, on the off chance that they can replace that type of joint.
     
    Image, Apr 18, 2016
    Image, Apr 18, 2016
    #7
  10. Apr 18, 2016 #8
    BoxCarKidd

    BoxCarKidd Road Train Member

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    Some of you Pete guys also have that in your horoscope. Last one,s we did cost about $450, wonder if they priced all the way to the steering wheel? Unless you find a wrecked truck with a new shaft it is probably not worth the risk. If you find joints to fit it let us know, thanks.
     
    BoxCarKidd, Apr 18, 2016
    BoxCarKidd, Apr 18, 2016
    #8
  11. Apr 18, 2016 #9
    allan5oh

    allan5oh Road Train Member

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    Winnipeg, mb
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    Mine was $471 canadian for the shaft from the box to the firewall. Very easy to replace with two bolts. Just about everything was worn on the old one so I went all out. 2002 T800
     
    allan5oh, Apr 18, 2016
    allan5oh, Apr 18, 2016
    #9
  12. Apr 19, 2016 #10
    Image

    Image Light Load Member

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    Mar 15, 2012
    ND
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    Well I walked around the salvage yard today and all the century shafts were non-replaceable joints like mine, so I started looking at other trucks. I found a Coronado with a nice tight shaft but a loose u-joint, but the joints are replaceable on this shaft. I picked it up for $200 and will put a couple new joints in and be good to go.
     
    Image, Apr 19, 2016
    Image, Apr 19, 2016
    #10
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