Half Shaft U Joints

[Peter Ansted - #32760]

After hearing many pops and clunks, I believe the half shaft u joints are worn on my '63 L 76. I would love to drive the car to a local show tomorrow, then repair the u joints. My question is, can a u joint fracture and wreak havoc upon the nearest suspension, frame or fiberglass component ? Thanks in advance.

[Joe L.]

Re: Half Shaft U Joints

Peter-----

Yes, it can and DOES happen; the storage compartments are often the "victim" of the mahem. However, if the shop is not too far and if you take it especially easy, I don't think that you'll have any serious problems. Otherwise, remove the half shafts yourself (it's quite easy) and take them down to a driveline shop for u-joint replacement. I don't recommmend trying to replace the half shaft u-joints yourself. They can be a BEAR to remove and install and "amateurs" often destroy the outer flange in the process.

[Daniel Grunwald]

Re: Half Shaft U Joints

Peter,
You might want to check your rear wheel bearings as well. I have been told that the shaft bearings tend to squeak but the wheel bearings tend to clunk when they go bad. I would suppose either could do either sound depending on the condition but it's probably worth checking.
Daniel

[John D.]

Re: Half Shaft U Joints

Daniel:

I was reading your post. I recently (within the last week) started to hear a squeak from my 68. It is mainly after the car sits a few days and seems to go away in a mile or two. It comes and goes in a cycle. Any easy way to rule out one or the other (u-joint or bearing) or possibly something else?

Thanks John.

[Tom P.]

Re: Half Shaft U Joints

John:

The squeak that goes away after a few miles is probably a U-joint. Trust me!! Eventually you will get a a periodic noise going around a corner and a very rough ride going down the road. Better to spend a few dollars now. The U-joint that came out of my '63 was scary. It started with a morning squeak!!