Sure fire method for testing u-joints?

[ld50]

Hi,

Was told at alignment shop that my front u-joints were going. I`m confused with this assessment because I never noticed any noises, and tugging on them doesn`t tell me if they are loose.

Any quick tests I can perform?

 

[ajevenson]

For the rear driveshaft you can stick a large screwdriver in the front of the joint and then with the rear wheels off the ground grab the drive shaft and try to turn it with your other hand. If it wiggles a lot its probably getting ready to go.

 

[Hotweels]

for the front just lock the hubs and put it in 4 then stick a screw driver in there and give it a wiggle if it clicks a bit or moves then you need to replace em, for the back put vehicle in park crawl under and push and pull the vehicle a bit and you will see right away. there are lots of ways to inspect em but as a general rule if there is any movement between cap and cross piece they need replaceing.