Mercury Montego Universal Joint Replacement Guide: 1968-1976
Address clunks, squeaks, and vibrations by choosing the right U-joint for your classic Montego's driveshaft.
- Your Montego has two U-joints on its driveshaft; it's best to replace them as a pair.
- Symptoms progress from a low-speed squeak, to a clunk when shifting, to a high-speed vibration.
- Dana Spicer is a top-tier brand for durability; Moog is a good option with a grease fitting for maintenance.
- Ignoring a bad U-joint can lead to driveshaft separation, which is extremely dangerous and can cause a loss of control.
Is Your Montego Making Strange Noises? It Could Be the U-Joints.
A failing universal joint will give you clear warning signs. 🎬 Watch this guide to identify common signs of U-joint failure. At first, you might hear a faint squeaking or chirping noise at low speeds, which is often the first indication that the grease inside the U-joint's needle bearings has dried up. As the wear gets worse, you'll likely hear a distinct "clunk" or "bang" when you shift from Park into Drive or Reverse. This sound is caused by excessive play in the worn-out joint. If you ignore these noises, the problem will progress to a noticeable vibration felt throughout the car, especially at highway speeds. This vibration occurs because the worn U-joint has thrown the driveshaft out of balance. In the most severe cases, the U-joint can break completely, causing the driveshaft to detach from the vehicle, which is a critical safety failure.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket U-Joint for Your Montego
For a classic car like the 1968-1976 Montego, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts are generally not available. Fortunately, the aftermarket offers excellent, and often superior, modern replacements. The key is to choose a quality brand. Your Montego's driveshaft has two U-joints—one at the transmission end and one at the differential end—and it's best practice to replace them in pairs.
Aftermarket Brand Quality Tiers
| Tier | Brands | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Premium / Heavy-Duty | Dana Spicer, Moog | Dana Spicer is a legendary name in driveline components and is often considered an OEM supplier for many manufacturers. They are known for strong, durable, cold-forged U-joints that are built to last. Moog is another premium brand, often featuring grease fittings (zerks) for easy maintenance. However, some users in forums have noted a decline in Moog's quality consistency in recent years, so it's wise to check the country of origin. |
| Standard / OEM-Quality | SKF, GMB | SKF is a well-respected manufacturer of bearings and driveline parts, offering reliable performance. GMB is a major manufacturer that provides good quality, dependable U-joints that meet or exceed original specifications, often at a more budget-friendly price point. |
Pro Tip: Greasable vs. Sealed U-Joints
You will find both "greasable" (with a zerk fitting) and "non-greasable" (sealed) U-joints. Greasable joints, like many offered by Moog, allow you to add fresh grease periodically, which can extend their life if done regularly. Sealed joints, like many from Spicer, are lubricated for life and require no maintenance. For most classic car owners who aren't doing extreme off-roading, a high-quality sealed U-joint from a brand like Spicer is often preferred for its strength and simplicity.
Known Issues for 1968-1976 Mercury Montego
Searches for official recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) from the NHTSA for U-joint issues on the 1968-1976 Mercury Montego did not yield any specific results. This is common for vehicles of this age. The primary cause of U-joint failure is simply age and loss of lubrication over many decades of use. Rust, especially in cars from northern climates, can make removing the old U-joints very difficult.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many U-joints does my 1972 Montego have?
Your 1968-1976 Mercury Montego has a single, one-piece driveshaft with two universal joints. One is located at the front where the driveshaft connects to the transmission, and the other is at the rear where it connects to the differential.
Can I replace a U-joint myself?
This job is feasible for an experienced DIY mechanic. It requires safely raising the vehicle, unbolting and removing the driveshaft, and then using a bench vise with large sockets or a hydraulic press to remove the old joints and install the new ones. Using a hammer is possible but not recommended, as it can damage the driveshaft yoke. If you are not comfortable with this process, it's a relatively quick job for a professional mechanic.
Do I need to balance the driveshaft after replacing the U-joints?
If you are careful to mark the driveshaft's orientation to the yokes before disassembly and reinstall it the same way, balancing is not always necessary for a simple U-joint swap. However, if you are chasing a persistent vibration, having a driveline shop professionally balance the driveshaft 🎬 Learn how to eliminate vibrations in multi-piece driveshaft systems. is a good idea.
What happens if a U-joint fails completely?
Complete failure is extremely dangerous. The U-joint will break apart, causing the driveshaft to disconnect from the transmission or differential. This will result in a total loss of power to the wheels and can cause the driveshaft to fall onto the road, potentially digging into the pavement and causing you to lose control of the vehicle.
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Technical Specifications
The 1968-1976 Mercury Montego uses a rear-wheel-drive configuration with a one-piece driveshaft. It requires two universal joints, one at the transmission yoke and one at the differential yoke. The joints are held in place with external clips. It is crucial to measure your existing U-joint caps or consult a parts catalog to ensure the correct size, as variations may exist based on the specific engine and axle combination.
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.
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is Your Montego Making Strange Noises? It Could Be the U-Joints.
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket U-Joint for Your Montego
- Aftermarket Brand Quality Tiers
- Pro Tip: Greasable vs. Sealed U-Joints
- Known Issues for 1968-1976 Mercury Montego
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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