universal joints

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IslipMinor
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Re: universal joints

Post by IslipMinor »

Rob,

If the new UJ spider fits with one pair of spigots and not the other, that is very strange. Don't forget that the problem can be with the cap on the opposite side of the UJ to the one that is 1mm proud. The effect will be to offset the UJ spider slightly, and so prevent the second cap from going in all the way.
Richard


oliver90owner
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Re: universal joints

Post by oliver90owner »

Well I took the UJ out from the other end of the prop shaft

Not sure why you would disturb the other end of the propshaft as you have two yokes on each end
You didn’t, by any chance, measure the UJ’s to compare a known good one while they were both out? Are the cap to cap measurements across the spider the same? They shoud be! Does the other yoke (of the pair) fit OK?

Try checking the distance between circlips fitted in place and compare one yoke with the other. All simple checks to validate, or not, your suspicions. I’ve never yet had to resort to using any of my measuring kit beyond measuring for selection of the correct spider.

Replacing the prop shaft is likely the safest way for you to proceed - or take it to a competent motor mechanic or agri-mechanic and get it fitted/repaired, or renewed as appropriate.
shoebone
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Re: universal joints

Post by shoebone »

I had exactly the same problem a couple of months ago.... Thought I had bent the yoke, It was only when I dismantled what I had, cleaned everything and measured as accurate as possible that I realized the spider was just over 1mm too long. I didn't have the original spider to make a measurement comparison.... It's at this point I took it to a drive shaft specialist who fixed it and balanced it. I just wonder if this is another example of poor quality control in a far away place!!
robandsophie
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Re: universal joints

Post by robandsophie »

Hi Shoebone,

Yep I have exactly the same, 1mm out.
Had old LDV engineer (who I know) look at it and he was of same opinion. Going to try another make and see!

Cheers

Rob
robandsophie
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Re: universal joints

Post by robandsophie »

ok f'up for propshaft... having bent the yoke of the original one, Ian kindly gave me an old one going spare.
However I decided not to attack this one with my limited kit and rubbish wood vice!
Hated doing it but gave in and sent off to specialist prop centre in Bristol.

I discovered that in future to clean rust off the shaft (that goes into the gearbox) he recommended talc and fine emery cloth, anything else will cause damage and increase chance of leaking. I used a flap disc..oops :oops: . Seemingly the talc acts as a filler for the imperfections allowing you to 'sand' off the rust without causing further damage to the shaft.
Seeming there is a lined bearing that sits in the back of the box, over the years these are damaged by poor maintenance of the prop-shafts hence the drip alot of minors (and others) seem to have.

Anyway 2 new decent joints later plus a balance so much smoother running :D .

Lesson learnt. Also recommended the best way of removing UJ joints in future - support either side of yoke on top of vice and knock through with sharp single hammer tap, do not squeeze between vice with one small and one big socket as can deform yoke.
And as others have said do not ever heat to get out!

Cheers

Rob
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