Propshaft UJ replacement

[Benjy]

OK, one last post before this car gets back on the road...

I've managed to get 2 of the spring clips that hold the UJ bearings out, but the other two have just snapped, leaving half a clip stuck in the casing.

The two that are out are opposite, but I still couldn't seem to tap the UJ far enough accross to get the bearing cap out.

So how do I go about getthing the broken clips out, and am I doing something wrong trying to remove the bearing caps?

Thanks

Ben

[Willie]

If the broken clips are tight in their grooves it may be that
you need to tap the UJ bearing cap INWARDS(away from the clips)
so that they are free to move? Once they are free it should be
straightforward to use a thin screwdriver at each end of the broken
clips to prise them out.

[brixtonmorris]

did you get them out benjy?

[Innovator]

I used to work with propshafts and have changed thousands of UJ`s. The problem you have is common on old shafts.

For next time or other people attempting this:

1st job is to push the cap inwards away from the circlip. Even though the opposite circlip is in it may move a little.

2nd. Get a small chisel and tap the circlip loose before trying to pull it out with the circlip pliers.

3rd Do as Willie says and try to prise it out.

4th We often had to cut the joint out. Use either a gas axe or an angle grinder to cut the cross. Then push the cups inwards.

5th If the ciclip is still stuck chisel it down the hole it will eventually bend and pop out.

6th Clean the circlip grooves out before fitting the new UJ.


As a final point. It is often said by experts that you should mark the yokes and put everything back as you took it apart due to the balance. There is no harm doing this but I never did / do. The manufacturing tolerances are so close putting a flange on a different way around will not effect the balance within the tolerances that a normal propshaft machine can balance to.

John

[brixtonmorris]

i think its a good idea to mark the diff flandge and mating face of prop, when the shaft is removed
it can make a difference on a minor.
probably not if your changing ujs though

[Innovator]

What is more important when refitting the shaft is to make sure the register on the diff flange and prop flange is clean and the two fit together cleanly with no dirt in between them or play.

Propshafts are balanced off the vehicle and it should make no difference which way the prop is bolted on. If it does there will be something else which is causing the problem.

In the same vien it does not matter which way the reverse sleeve yoke (spline) goes into the gearbox.

John

[Benjy]

Willie: No I haven't got them out yet, I ran out of time before the MOT booking, so greased them well and put it back together.
Unfortunately, stopping off on the way to the MOT I noticed the ftong N/S damper was leaking (where the arm enters the body), so I cancelled the MOT and took the car home. I've been on holiday since, so haven't done much else.

WIll let you know how I get on when I get a chance!

[57traveller]

You might have got away with the leaking damper, it could depend on how well you know the MOT establishment or vice versa. I got away with a verbal advisory, a couple of years ago, for a leaking rear damper. Although you probably did the wisest thing, I think it is a fail anyway.

[rayofleamington]

you should have stopped off for a box of tissues and a bottle of vodka on the way.
Use the alcohol + tissues to wipe off the damper oil (or bribe the MOT man with the Vodka and the tissues to wipe away the tears when he fails it anyway )

[Cam]

Good one!

[Kevin]

bribe the MOT man with the Vodka

Hmmm so you local MOT man is Russian I assume Ray

[Cam]

Hmmm so you local MOT man is Russian I assume Ray

HIS might be, but mine always take their time

(Sorry, could not resist!)

[brixtonmorris]

the bottle i'd want would cost more then the shocker