2003 Century steering u-joint

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?

 

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.

 

Can't help specifically on that but just had the lower one replaced on my 01 Pete for under 100 for the joint

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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.