When Should You Replace a U Joint?
A bad u joint can stop your vehicle in its tracks and potentially cost you big time, so replacing at the first sign of trouble is best practice.
Inexpensive Part vs Costly Damage
Since u joints are a relatively inexpensive part, and are crucial to the proper operation of the vehicle, it is best practice to replace them at the first sign of trouble. A worn u joint can continue to get you where you need to go but as the part continues to degrade, or if the component is truly damaged, then the possibility of damage to other parts increases if you drive on it more than absolutely necessary.
U joints have a fairly long lifespan under normal circumstances but if you notice the symptoms it is better to check out the u joints. Then, if there is any doubt about whether or not those u joints need to be replaced it is better to go ahead and have new u joints installed. Since a bad u joint has the potential to damage the transmission, drive shaft, and differential (which are all very expensive to fix) you are better off replacing than waiting.
That said, be sure to check other components that could be showing you similar symptoms so you do not spend unnecessary time and money replacing a component that was not the problem in the first place.
