Choosing the Right Universal Joint for Your 1959-1968 Buick LeSabre
Keep your classic LeSabre's ride smooth and prevent serious driveline damage by replacing a worn U-joint.
- A clunking noise when shifting or a vibration at speed are the most common signs of a failing U-joint on your LeSabre.
- Do not ignore symptoms; a complete failure can cause the driveshaft to detach, leading to a loss of power and severe damage.
- For most owners, a high-quality, non-greasable (sealed) U-joint from a brand like Dana/Spicer or SKF offers the best combination of strength and maintenance-free reliability.
- Before ordering, inspect your car to see if you have a one-piece or two-piece driveshaft to know how many U-joints you need.
Is Your LeSabre's U-Joint Failing?
A failing universal joint gives clear warning signs. Ignoring them can lead to the driveshaft separating from the car, which is a critical safety failure that can cause major damage. Listen and feel for these symptoms when you drive.
Common Failure Symptoms:
- Clunking Noise: A loud "clunk" or "bang" when you shift into Drive or Reverse is a classic sign of a worn U-joint with too much play.
- Vibrations: You may feel a vibration throughout the car that gets worse as you drive faster. This is often confused with unbalanced tires, but a U-joint vibration is specific to acceleration and deceleration.
- Squeaking or Chirping: A rhythmic squeak that matches your speed, especially at lower speeds, often means the needle bearings inside the U-joint are dry and failing.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket U-Joint
Since Original Equipment (OEM) parts for a 1959-1968 LeSabre are no longer made, you will be choosing from aftermarket brands. The quality is generally very good, and you have several excellent options. The main choice you will make is between a greasable and a non-greasable (sealed) U-joint.
Greasable vs. Non-Greasable U-Joints
Greasable U-joints have a small zerk fitting that allows you to add fresh grease periodically. This can push out moisture and contaminants. However, the hole drilled for the fitting can create a weak point. They require regular maintenance.
Non-Greasable (Sealed) U-joints are lubricated for life and sealed at the factory. Many mechanics and original manufacturers prefer this style because they are stronger (no hole in the cross) and require no maintenance. For a classic car that sees normal driving, a high-quality sealed joint is often the most reliable choice.
Aftermarket Brand Tiers
The brands available offer a range of quality and price points. For a classic like the LeSabre, investing in a premium or trusted mid-range brand is recommended for longevity.
- Premium Brands (Dana/Spicer, SKF): Dana/Spicer is a well-regarded original equipment supplier for many manufacturers, including GM in the past. They are often considered the top choice for durability and precise fit. SKF is another premium brand known for high-quality bearings and durable components.
- Trusted Aftermarket (Moog, ACDelco): Moog is a very well-known aftermarket brand with a long history, offering features like greasable fittings for easy maintenance. While some users have noted a decline in quality recently, they remain a popular choice. ACDelco is GM's official parts brand, and their professional-grade parts are often a reliable option.
- Standard/Economy (GMB): GMB is a Japanese manufacturer that produces a wide range of parts. They are generally considered a decent quality, budget-friendly option suitable for standard use.
Estimated Replacement Costs
The cost to replace a U-joint on a 1959-1968 LeSabre is reasonable. The parts themselves are not expensive, and the labor is straightforward for a mechanic.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Aftermarket Universal Joint | $20.62 - $83.90 |
| Shop Labor | $100 - $225 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $120 - $310 |
Cost estimates are for a single U-joint replacement and can vary based on your location and the specific U-joints your vehicle requires. Your LeSabre has multiple U-joints.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many U-joints does my 1959-1968 LeSabre have?
Most LeSabres from this era have at least two U-joints on the main driveshaft (one at the transmission, one at the differential). However, some models, particularly those with longer wheelbases, used a two-piece driveshaft with a center support bearing, which can have a total of three or four U-joints. It is critical to inspect your specific vehicle to confirm the configuration before ordering parts.
Is it difficult to replace a U-joint myself?
This is a DIY-feasible job for someone with the right tools and mechanical experience. It requires safely raising the vehicle, removing the driveshaft, and using a bench vise 🎬 Learn how to swap U-joints without using any special tools. or a special U-joint press tool 🎬 Watch two different ways to professionally replace your U-joints. to push the old joints out and press the new ones in. If the original U-joints have never been replaced, they may be held in with injected nylon that needs to be melted out with a torch.
Do I need to balance the driveshaft after replacing the U-joints?
If you carefully mark the driveshaft's orientation to the yokes before removal and reinstall it in the same position, balancing is not usually necessary for a simple U-joint swap. However, if you still have vibrations after the replacement, the driveshaft may be out of balance and should be checked by a professional driveline shop.
Were there any recalls for the 1959-1968 LeSabre U-joint?
No recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) were found related to the universal joints on the 1959-1968 Buick LeSabre. Any failures are due to the age and normal wear of the part.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
The 1959-1968 Buick LeSabre uses outside snap ring style U-joints. Some models may use a two-piece driveshaft with a constant velocity (CV) joint in the center, which requires specific U-joints. Common bearing cap diameters are around 1.062 inches. It is essential to measure your original parts or consult a specific parts catalog to ensure an exact match.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.