At HQ Truck Parts, we’re proud to be the exclusive distributor of the U-Joint Protector — a product created to solve a problem no grease or guard alone could fix. In this video we answer the question, “Who invented the U-Joint Protector.” We interview Ryan Hunter, the inventor, who introduces the brand new U-Joint protector. There is nothing in the market quite like it.
Ryan Hunter Invented the U-Joint Protector
The Spark: A Trade Show Conversation That Changed Everything
As Ryan Hunter recalls, the U-Joint Protector was designed to keep grease from spattering the undercarriage. But, what we learned was that was only part of the story.
At the Mid-America Trucking Show in 2024, truckers and farmers stopping by his booth consistently pointed out the same thing: while it’s great to “keep the grease in,” they were more concerned about keeping debris out.
They didn’t just want a solution for lubrication retention — they needed one for contamination prevention.
Agricultural Conditions Are Brutal on U-Joints
One of the first groups to flag the issue was farmers. Ryan noted how grain trucks often drive directly through fields during harvest. As combines unload crops, trucks move alongside, often brushing against tall corn stalks — stalks that rise right to the level of a vehicle’s driveline.
That’s exactly where the U-joint sits, exposed and vulnerable.
“Those U-joints are just down there swinging around, trying to grab stalks,” Ryan said.
It’s not just corn stalks either. Many types of field equipment stir up dust, sticks, vines, and foreign objects — all of which can lodge themselves into the driveline, especially in the vulnerable yolk area. The result? Bent U-joints, warped seals, and costly failures — often in the middle of a field, where downtime is least affordable.
Landfills and Twine: A Surprising Threat
The problem wasn’t limited to farms.
Solid waste companies operating in and out of landfills began sending photos and complaints to Ryan. The culprit? Nylon twine.
“You wouldn’t believe how often we get pictures of nylon twine,” Ryan shared. “It wraps around the driveline so tight that it shoves out the pinion seal.”
It was happening regularly. A piece of flyaway string, wrapped tight enough, could push a truck out of service. That’s exactly the kind of preventable issue this product set out to eliminate.
“This wasn’t theoretical damage – it was real-world cost,” Ryan said.
Dump Trucks, Quarries, and Flying Rocks
Another major adopter? Dump truck operators.
Dump trucks constantly run in and out of quarries, where loose gravel, sand, and small rocks can become airborne or kicked up into tight spots. Many fleet owners told Ryan they were seeing rocks get wedged directly into the space between the U-joint and the yolk. When the driveline spins, even a small rock can cause massive damage in a very short time.
“Just one tight side rotation with a rock lodged in there, and you’ve got a down truck.” Ryan said.
The Solution: The Inventor of the U-Joint Protector
Have we answered the question, “Who Invented the U-Joint Protector?” We hope you this introduction interview a bit about the Inventor, Ryan Hunter. And, that his U-Joint Protector isn’t just another rubber boot. It’s a tough, engineered barrier that forms a physical shield over the most exposed and damage-prone area of the driveline. It’s designed to hold securely in-place, without modifying the truck or requiring custom mounts.
By acting as a first line of defense, the protector prevents:
- Foreign object damage
- Contamination from debris, twine, and stalks
- Premature seal failure and grease loss
It’s brand new but quickly becoming a go to device to keep trucks on the road. It’s in use across multiple industries — agriculture, waste management, construction, and long-haul trucking — Ryan would love to hear your story.
Why HQ Truck Parts?
HQ Truck Parts is proud to be the exclusive distributor of the U-Joint Protector. We work directly with Ryan, the inventor, to ensure this innovative product is available to truckers, fleet owners, and maintenance managers across the U.S.
HQ U-Joint Protector Covers
Repair or replace your semi U-joint or driveshaft only after buying NEW-2-MARKET U-Joint protector.
“Multi-Fit” option with mount pads for all diameters within 7 inches or less this is the kit for you.
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The Rest of Ryan’s Story
Some of the best products don’t start with engineers — they start with someone willing to observe and solve real-world problems.
Ryan Hunter’s U-Joint Protector origin story came from listening to the men and women who work the hardest jobs in the roughest environments. Ryan and his brother came up with the idea and you’ll hear that story next time here at High Quality Truck Parts dot com.
