RE superflex CA joints

**alecmcmahon** · 04-09-2009, 02:39 PM

just picked up a used RE 3.5 superflex kit.

there is a little play in the LCA joints, how much is normal, should the joint be able to move around freely or should it be impossible to move by hand?

can they just be tightened with the RE tool? or should they just be rebuilt, (

another 200 bucks )

- alec

Pillswoj · 04-09-2009, 03:07 PM

I can't speak to RE joints specifically, but my Krawler joints have 0 play, you can only move them by hand by putting a bolt though to get some leverage.

**jbramble24** · 04-09-2009, 03:23 PM

You shouldn't be able to move them much at all if any by hand. I just rebuilt a couple of my RE joints because I found out they hadn't been getting any grease for the last year and a half and were wearing a bit.

I have heard you shouldn't just blindly tighten them. At least tear them down, clean them and check for any problems, then tighten them back up. You might as well get the replacement plastic pieces since you never know what you'll find after tearing them down. I got the tools for upper and lower arms and the replacement plastic pieces for 6 of my control arms for $110 shipped from RE. For the other 2 arms, expect another $20 so you should be able to rebuild them for less than $200 and then you will own the tool for next time.

My thread about getting the joints taken apart and put back together:

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f9/re-sf-joint-rebuild-trouble-748524/

**alecmcmahon** · 04-09-2009, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbramble24

You shouldn't be able to move them much at all if any by hand. I just rebuilt a couple of my RE joints because I found out they hadn't been getting any grease for the last year and a half and were wearing a bit.

I have heard you shouldn't just blindly tighten them. At least tear them down, clean them and check for any problems, then tighten them back up. You might as well get the replacement plastic pieces since you never know what you'll find after tearing them down. I got the tools for upper and lower arms and the replacement plastic pieces for 6 of my control arms for $110 shipped from RE. For the other 2 arms, expect another $20 so you should be able to rebuild them for less than $200 and then you will own the tool for next time.

My thread about getting the joints taken apart and put back together:

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=748524

i guess i have to re-build them all, they have a bit of " shake " ... and they move around the joint freely, very easy to move.

BlazinJack · 04-09-2009, 03:35 PM

make sure to grease them regularly!! otherwise theyll squeek like a B!@#$

**alecmcmahon** · 04-09-2009, 08:14 PM

went ahead and ordered 4 rebuild kits, and the tool for it.

thanks

**jbramble24** · 04-10-2009, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alecmcmahon

went ahead and ordered 4 rebuild kits, and the tool for it.

thanks

Good deal. They're pretty easy to rebuild after the first one but if you have any questions, let me know.

Flyinbrick · 04-10-2009, 10:48 AM

I'm in the same boat with this one. While I don't have the LA, I have the Superflex and ordered the races for all of my CA's and the small & large tool.

Do you know what to torque the end caps of of the joints back to?

**jbramble24** · 04-10-2009, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flyinbrick

Do you know what to torque the end caps of of the joints back to?

As tight as you can get them and still get the set screw in to hold them in place. Check out stu's site.

http://www.stu-offroad.com/suspension/rejoint/c-joint-1.htm

I would not recommend taking out the snap ring since it is not necessary.

**Jerry Bransford** · 04-10-2009, 12:15 PM

I had a loose RE SF joint and it was caused by the setscrew not having been tightened and the retaining ring thus backing out and loosening things up. I would take it apart to see if the nylon bushings are ok and if they appear to be, just put it back together after greasing it and tighten the ring up pretty much as tight as you can get it within reason. I don't have RE's special tool so I just use a hammer and punch pin to drive the ring around until it is tight and then tighten the setscrew.

Whsperz · 04-10-2009, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alecmcmahon

went ahead and ordered 4 rebuild kits, and the tool for it.

thanks

When installing lockers and fixing my rear end, I had an UCA that had fused the bolt inside of it. I also ordered the rebuild kit and the "tool". The tool is nice concept but it lasted a whole 2 seconds. If you have the equipment handy, shave the 4 prongs off and drill into them and make dowel pins that are easily replaced. Here are some pictures of the finished tool... I am ordering the LCA tool (the larger one) and will be doing the same thing. It will last a lot longer and not be useless if a pin breaks.

I can also see replacing sleeve/bushing assembly a LOT in the future as I add/take more things apart. This tool will come in handy for a while for these project. FYI, the fused nylon rings had to be drilled/melted/punch out. Even though we replaced everything in the assembly, with the exception of the sleeve. The only thing that actually fused was the bolt into the bushing, everything else functioned fine... to replace it though everything has to come out, might as well replace.

Makes me wonder how other vendors UCA/LCA bushing and sleeve assemblies hold up over time. Do they all experience the same issues or are there any better alternatives?

**Jerry Bransford** · 04-10-2009, 01:44 PM

In 5+ years with my RE Superflex joints, I have only had one that needed replacing and that was only because the set screw accidentally wasn't screwed down to keep the retaining plate from unscrewing. So it doesn't appear to be much of a problem to me.

**alecmcmahon** · 04-10-2009, 01:54 PM

it looks like these have seen alot of dirt and mud, and salt ( NJ/PA Area )

so i opted to just rebuild them all so i know they are good, solid and ready to rock.

i figure it's best to do it now while the kit isnt installed yet, and have peace of mind.

how long should it take to rebuild all 4 in your opinion ?

Whsperz · 04-10-2009, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerry Bransford

In 5+ years with my RE Superflex joints, I have only had one that needed replacing and that was only because the set screw accidentally wasn't screwed down to keep the retaining plate from unscrewing. So it doesn't appear to be much of a problem to me.

Yes, I would agree with that as well. I have not had issues with them in particular. The only time I have had issue with any of them is when trying to do something with them, i.e. unbolt them to work on something beyond. I know, for sure, that both of my front LCAs on the D30 are in the same condition. I have opted not go that far as of yet, although it will be corrected in the near future.

I am thinking it may be due to the PO not greasing it up like it should be. I will find out soon because of the new one compared to the old ones.

**jbramble24** · 04-10-2009, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alecmcmahon

how long should it take to rebuild all 4 in your opinion ?

I just did my front lowers this morning in about an hour and taking my time.

04-10-2009, 10:48 AM	#8
Flyinbrick Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: California Posts: 311 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	I'm in the same boat with this one. While I don't have the LA, I have the Superflex and ordered the races for all of my CA's and the small & large tool. Do you know what to torque the end caps of of the joints back to? __________________ -Michael- 1998 TJ Sport Black/Camel Cloth 4.5" RE SF w/ RS9000 32" MT/R Kargo Master Congo Cage Air Raid Borla Headers Advanced Adapters SYE Tom Wood Drive Shaft KC Daylighters 1997 ZJ Laredo Silver/Grey Cloth 4.0L 235/75R15 Grille Guard Relocated HVAC/Radio/Systems http://www.espritdefour.com

04-09-2009, 08:14 PM	#6
alecmcmahon Web Wheeler Join Date: May 2005 Location: Woodbridge NJ Posts: 2,585 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	went ahead and ordered 4 rebuild kits, and the tool for it. thanks

04-10-2009, 01:54 PM	#13
alecmcmahon Web Wheeler Join Date: May 2005 Location: Woodbridge NJ Posts: 2,585 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	it looks like these have seen alot of dirt and mud, and salt ( NJ/PA Area ) so i opted to just rebuild them all so i know they are good, solid and ready to rock. i figure it's best to do it now while the kit isnt installed yet, and have peace of mind. how long should it take to rebuild all 4 in your opinion ?