The only true way to check a U joint is to remove it from the application and as Ken wrote check it for looseness or binding moving it throughout its range. You can also pry the dust seal of the cap back and check for water or rust particles.
A staked joint can be replaced and they usually use the circlips mounted on the inside of the cap of the cross. It takes a lot of force to remove a staked joint and you would not want to reuse it. Think air hammer here folks. I used to have to replace double cardan type joints with the center pecker bearing for Lincoln cars, they were a PIA. A total of 4 crosses in the auto driveshaft.
And if the replacement cross was an aftermarket Chinese one for the Honda, leave it alone. You will be replacing it in another 20k miles if used.
A staked joint can be replaced and they usually use the circlips mounted on the inside of the cap of the cross. It takes a lot of force to remove a staked joint and you would not want to reuse it. Think air hammer here folks. I used to have to replace double cardan type joints with the center pecker bearing for Lincoln cars, they were a PIA. A total of 4 crosses in the auto driveshaft.
And if the replacement cross was an aftermarket Chinese one for the Honda, leave it alone. You will be replacing it in another 20k miles if used.
