U-joint replacement

Tue 31 Jul 18 21:36

U-joint replacement

Hi, as I’m slowly going through all the drivetrain and steering on the 74 ( Borgeson steering box done, see projects ), and as I’m changing the rear wheel bearings soon, I’m thinking of changing the half shaft u-joints while the half shafts are dropped, and prop shaft. Apart from the potential the bend the flange when pressing the caps out, is it an easy job? I’ll bolt the flanges to some steel plate I have to prevent bending them.
There so cheap seems silly not to do them.

Last edited by MIT on Tue 31 Jul 18 21:48; edited 1 time in total. [0 %]
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Tim.

74 coupe.

Wed 01 Aug 18 08:49

Re: U-joint replacement

Tim, I f you have a decent press, its not too tricky. As you say, hold the flanges (I have an old one I use and bolt to the good one) and take your time. We had to have a few goes at getting them set nicely, but not too tight. Don't faff about trying to do it in a vice!

Also, if get U/Js with grease nipples, make sure they are orientated correctly. I think from memory, the nipples must be facing inward (towards the shaft) at both ends if you actually want to get a grease gun on to them!

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Stephen J Irons
CCCUK Lifetime Member
Corvette Club France
Corvettes of Southern California
NCM Family Member
Stephen & June's Web Site
Red Corvettes Have More Fun!

Apple IS Genisys!
The "Born-Again Greenies" are killing the planet! It's time to wake up and smell the rain-forest burning!

Wed 01 Aug 18 09:47

Re: U-joint replacement

Cheers, due the mileage I’ll be doing, ie very little, I was going to use the lifetime sealed spicer type. I have access to a press at work if I need one.

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Tim.

74 coupe.

Fri 03 Aug 18 11:07

Re: U-joint replacement

Tim, I dashed off a quick reply last time as we were on our way out!

But I'd add that it would be a good idea to replace the U Bolts and nuts for the inner yokes as well when you do the job. And, make sure you buy some new (preferably stainless) French Locks for the outer flange bolts. They seem a pain to bend back to undo the nuts (I get @so far@ and pop a socket over and give it a tap or two) and almost as much trouble to fold back again, but from what I read they are sooo much better than trying to use ordinary lock washers.

If you have the original metal spring you'll probably want to release that at the outer ends (there is a process for that described in the Haynes manual) but if you have a replacement "plastic" unit it is possible to remove the half shafts with the spring still attached to the trailing arms.

I do mark the shafts so that they go back on the same side, in the same orientation, but I never really know if that's necessary!

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Stephen J Irons
CCCUK Lifetime Member
Corvette Club France
Corvettes of Southern California
NCM Family Member
Stephen & June's Web Site
Red Corvettes Have More Fun!

Apple IS Genisys!
The "Born-Again Greenies" are killing the planet! It's time to wake up and smell the rain-forest burning!

Fri 03 Aug 18 14:32

Re: U-joint replacement

Thanks Stephen, as I’m doing it at the same time as the bearings, I’ll drop the leaf spring mount bolts out, as you say it’ll give me better access. I’ve just replaced these as well. I have considered fitting a mono spring, but getting mixed reviews so I’ll leave that for now.
I’ll order the new u bolts and French locks, thanks for the heads up.

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Tim.

74 coupe.

Fri 03 Aug 18 18:54

Re: U-joint replacement

MIT wrote (View Post):......I have considered fitting a mono spring, but getting mixed reviews so I’ll leave that for now..... :

We put our TRW unit on the old '78 19 years ago and it's one of the best things we ever did. You do need new shocks though, we went with Koni Adjustables.....

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Stephen J Irons
CCCUK Lifetime Member
Corvette Club France
Corvettes of Southern California
NCM Family Member
Stephen & June's Web Site
Red Corvettes Have More Fun!

Apple IS Genisys!
The "Born-Again Greenies" are killing the planet! It's time to wake up and smell the rain-forest burning!

Fri 03 Aug 18 20:29

Re: U-joint replacement

Stephen - you're suggesting to Tim that he use s/s French locks, but in my experience s/s is much harder to bend. Especially if you're in a tight corner

Might be wrong but ......

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79 L82 Auto

Having a lot of bhp is all very well, but on these forums it's torque that counts

Club Secretary

Sat 04 Aug 18 08:54

Re: U-joint replacement

Bill, you're probably right! I just like to use the S/S versions as they are available and keep their condition better. Maybe that explains why I find bending them so hard these days - I'm sure the first set I used were probably the "ordinary" stuff!

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Stephen J Irons
CCCUK Lifetime Member
Corvette Club France
Corvettes of Southern California
NCM Family Member
Stephen & June's Web Site
Red Corvettes Have More Fun!

Apple IS Genisys!
The "Born-Again Greenies" are killing the planet! It's time to wake up and smell the rain-forest burning!

Mon 13 Aug 18 21:37

Re: U-joint replacement

So, turns out I have a new prop, so need to find a decent paint for it, as it’s just starting to get a surface rust.
I remember Tony said he uses Cromadex, just need to find a supplier.

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Tim.

74 coupe.

Mon 20 Aug 18 12:03

Re: U-joint replacement

If you've got a new Prop - you'll have new UJs anyway!

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1974 / 350 / Auto / T-Top