Universal Joint Rebuild?

[William H.]

I have all original u-joints on my half shafts for my 68. Is it possible to rebuild them to keep the original joints? Thanks for any input and direction.

[Joe L.]

Re: Universal Joint Rebuild?

I have all original u-joints on my half shafts for my 68. Is it possible to rebuild them to keep the original joints? Thanks for any input and direction.

Bill------


There's no way I know of to rebuild u-joints. Theoretically, I suppose, IF the bearing surfaces on the trunnions and bearing caps were in good shape, one could transfer the bearings from new u-joints of the same size.

This is all HIGHLY THEORETICAL, though, since I HIGHLY DOUBT your trunnion or bearing cap bearing surfaces will be in serviceable condition. Corvette u-joints, especially half shaft u-joints, work hard in a nasty environment. I can almost guarantee you that at least one trunnion on each u-joint will be brinnelled. That renders a u-joint unfit for re-use. Most likely, all of your trunnions will show brinelling. You may even find that when you remove the caps, you will "pour out" the bearings in the form of "reddish dust".

[William H.]

Re: Universal Joint Rebuild?

Thanks Joe. That was my suspicion.

[Alan D.]

Re: Universal Joint Rebuild?

However if you find them still whole and they are not making noise at this point - Save the original stuff for NCRS events and get another set for driving.

[Paul D.]

Re: Universal Joint Rebuild?

OK guys, lets all take a deep breath and compose ourselves before we start considering swapping out driveshafts and halfshafts for a few extra judging points (if any). I can't imagine retaining original production (with questionable service life remaining) joints would add to a cars integrity over correct replacements. Happy Thanksgiving! Chip.

[Alan D.]

Re: Universal Joint Rebuild?

It's worth about 7 points (that's what it cost me) in 2009 along with "DOT" hoses, but never put those non DOT back on for 2013.
Now those original parts are ONLY for show! Also have original drive shaft joints, but nobody looks at these anyways.

[Timothy B.]

Re: Universal Joint Rebuild?

Two years ago I changed the u-joints on my 67 with the thought that the originals may still be serviceable and that was a joke. Some red dust and the trunnions with needle bearing marks so the thought of putting those parts back on a car to drive was out of the question.

The joints I bought were the Federal Mogul without grease fittings and they look close enough for me as safety is more important. Alan, I mean no disrespect but that's a lot of work to change driveshafts for judging points.

[Joe L.]

Re: Universal Joint Rebuild?

Two years ago I changed the u-joints on my 67 with the thought that the originals may still be serviceable and that was a joke. Some red dust and the trunnions with needle bearing marks so the thought of putting those parts back on a car to drive was out of the question.

The joints I bought were the Federal Mogul without grease fittings and they look close enough for me as safety is more important. Alan, I mean no disrespect but that's a lot of work to change driveshafts for judging points.

Timothy------

I agree. While it might be THEORETICALLY possible to "rebuild" a u-joint, personally I would never even consider doing so. As a matter of fact, I have a large collection of NOS original u-joints [none for sale] and I wouldn't even use any of those. I'd use brand new Spicer.