Tweet
I just installed u joints on my 71. These are the ones on the 1/2 shaft. 2 move back and forth just like they did out of the box but the others are tight. One is very tight to move, like it was installed at a angle. Could I have installed these wrong?, I don't see how they could be. Is it OK to mount them like this? Thanks, Jim
-
-
Re: u joints on 1/2 shaft installed OK?
Many times the force required to get them in will leave them tight. You may be able to tell which side is driven in too far. It ususlly will deform the clip on that end or the clip is harder to remove. If you determine that it is driven too far, use a hammer and socket, and whack on that cap. That will usually free it up some. -
Re: u joints on 1/2 shaft installed OK?
If you don't have success yourself, a typical driveline shop will reseat them for only around $10 or so, well worth it. They remove and install them daily and have the right tools and setup. They can probably do it while you wait.Comment
-
Re: u joints on 1/2 shaft installed OK?
Jim------
It's a common problem and is ONE of the reasons that I don't recommend that folks try to do their own 1/2 shaft u-joints. As Wayne mentioned, you can often tap on the end of the cap and loosen them up. Also, you can tap on the body of the joint and this will sometimes loosen them up.
However, if in the process of installing the joints you bent or deformed the u-joint flange, that's another story. That's ANOTHER reason that I don't recommend that folks attempt this job themselves. If the flange was deformed or bent and you install the u-joints, they will have a VERY short life. If you removed and installed the u-joints without using a supporting fixture on the u-joint flange (like a special tool or an old spindle flange), you can almost be sure that you bent or distorted the flange(s). In that case, you buy new flange(s).In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
-
Re: u joints on 1/2 shaft installed OK?
I tapped lightly on the 1/2 shaft and flange on the tight ones and they all move very easily and all are the same. Does this mean that I did not deform the flange and it will be OK to install?Comment
-
Re: u joints on 1/2 shaft installed OK?
Jim-----
It sounds like you "dodged a bullet" (if you didn't use a support fixture when installing the joints). As you describe them now, I think that they will be fine.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
Comment