Questions and Answers

Mercury Marquis Universal Joints Q. Could you please tell how and what is involved in changing a rear u-joint on a 1985 Mercury Grand Marquis. Can I do this or a mechanic has to? I find your site very interesting. Thank you...

A. Replacing a universal joint is not for the faint of heart. Ideally you need a hydraulic press to do it, but if you have a stout, solidly anchored vise and a BFH, you can do it. It's not that it's hard, it's just physical.

It would probably be best to take the drive shaft out and take it to an auto parts store, like NAPA, that has a machine shop and have them press out BOTH universal joints and press in new ones. You have it out and if the rear universal joint is bad, the front is not far behind.

Also, mark the drive shaft to the Companion Flange so you can put it back the same way it came out.