A Guide to Universal Joints for the 1982-1987 Buick Regal

Is Your Regal's U-Joint Failing?

A failing universal joint gives several clear warning signs. Because U-joints are a wear item, they will eventually need replacement after decades of service. Ignoring the symptoms can lead to a complete failure where the driveshaft separates from the car, causing major damage and leaving you stranded.

Choosing the Right Aftermarket U-Joint

Since new OEM U-joints from GM are no longer available for a vehicle of this age, the aftermarket is your only option. The good news is that many aftermarket brands meet or exceed the original quality. Your choice depends on your budget and how you use your Regal.

Your Regal uses two U-joints of the same size, one at the front and one at the rear of the driveshaft. It's highly recommended to replace them in pairs.

Brand Quality Tiers

When shopping, you'll find a few tiers of quality. For a classic car like the G-body Regal, investing in a quality part is always a good idea.

• Premium / Heavy-Duty (Best): Brands like Dana Spicer and Yukon Gear are top-of-the-line. Spicer is a well-known original equipment manufacturer for many car brands and is considered a benchmark for quality. Yukon Gear specializes in high-performance drivetrain components and offers extremely durable U-joints for demanding applications. These are excellent choices for high-horsepower engines, track use, or if you simply want the best, most durable part available.
• Quality / Standard (Better): ACDelco, Moog, and SKF fall into this category. ACDelco is GM's own parts brand, offering a reliable, OE-equivalent fit and function. Moog is a very popular and respected aftermarket chassis parts brand, though some users report variable quality in recent years. SKF is a global leader in bearings, and their U-joints are generally considered high-quality and well-made. These brands are perfect for a daily driver or a stock restoration.
• Economy (Good): GMB is a known budget-friendly brand. While functional, forum users generally consider them a step below brands like Spicer or SKF. They can be a suitable choice for a car that is driven infrequently or for owners on a tight budget, but for long-term reliability, a higher-tier brand is recommended.

Sealed vs. Greasable U-Joints

You will also need to choose between a sealed (non-greasable) U-joint and one with a grease fitting (zerk). Original factory joints are sealed.

• Sealed U-Joints: These are filled with grease at the factory and require no maintenance. They are strong because the cross body is solid. Many experts prefer them for their fit-and-forget convenience and long life, arguing they often last longer than their greasable counterparts because the seals are better.
• Greasable U-Joints: These have a small fitting that allows you to add fresh grease periodically. This can extend the life of the joint if done regularly, but the fitting and internal channels can make the joint slightly weaker than a solid-body sealed design. If you choose this type, you must commit to regular maintenance.

Note: The high end of the inventory price range ($237.75) likely represents a full performance driveshaft assembly, not a single U-joint.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many U-joints does my 1982-1987 Buick Regal have?

Your car has two universal joints. They are located at the front and rear of the main driveshaft.

Should I replace both U-joints at the same time?

Yes. If one U-joint has failed due to age and mileage, the other is likely not far behind. Replacing them in pairs is cheap insurance and saves you from doing the same job twice.

What tools do I need to replace a U-joint?

Replacing a U-joint requires removing the driveshaft from the vehicle. To press the old joint out and the new one in, you will need a heavy-duty bench vise, a specific U-joint press tool, or a collection of sockets of various sizes to use with the vise or a hammer. It can be a difficult job without the right tools. Some original GM U-joints were held in with injected plastic, which must be melted out with a torch before removal.

Can a bad U-joint cause other damage?

Yes. A severe vibration from a bad U-joint can damage the transmission output seal or the pinion seal on the rear differential, causing fluid leaks. If the U-joint breaks completely, the driveshaft can fall and dig into the pavement, potentially causing you to lose control and severely damaging the transmission, exhaust, and floor of the car.