can anyone help me with this? how do i tell if my axle u joint is bad? its a 93 yj!!! thanks! and if its bad would i have to remove the beariing hub assembly?

You should be able to grab the axle U-joint by hand and try twisting it or moving to see if it's bad, cracked or the cap is loose. You can also turn the wheels out as well to help look at.

Yes you would need to remove the Hub Assembly in order to pull the axle shaft and replace the U-joint

Hmmm cause I replaced the bearing yesterday and there was a lot of play at the u joint but was not sure if that was normal with the bearing hub already removed! So if I understand correctly, there should be no play at the u joint itself even with the bearing assembly off? Thanks

Yes, any play should indicate a soon-to-fail joint. Also "notchy" or a grinding feeling as you move it around by hand, and chirping noises while driving/turning are all indicators. Joints are fairly cheap to replace, and fairly expensive when they break/cause accidents, et cetera. If you can afford the price & time, and can't remember when it was last changed, I'd just replace it to be safe.

There's a faint grinding sound when I brake turn and go over bumps! And like I said, bearing is brand new! Think it's u joint?