C1 & C2 Corvettes General C1 Corvette & C2 Corvette Discussion, Technical Info, Performance Upgrades, Project Builds, Restorations

[C1] U Joint replace?

Old Nov 13, 2022 | 07:50 PM
  #1  
Captain Bud's Avatar
Captain Bud
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Photogenic
Photoriffic
 
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,205
Likes: 378
From: Knoxville, TN
2020 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Default U Joint replace?

My '60's U Joints do not have grease fittings. I have no idea how old they are but I've had the car for 9 years. They are NOT making noise but would it be
smart to replace them preemptively?
Reply
Old Nov 13, 2022 | 07:56 PM
  #2  
Chambered's Avatar
Chambered
Race Director
Active Streak: 60 Days
Conversation Starter
Photogenic
Photoriffic
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,048
Likes: 166
From: Milford Michigan
Default

Originally Posted by Captain Bud
My '60's U Joints do not have grease fittings. I have no idea how old they are but I've had the car for 9 years. They are NOT making noise but would it be
smart to replace them preemptively?
If you do, use Spicer LIFETIME joints - they will be solid, & most of them are made in the USA. Sold is the strongest.
Reply
Old Nov 13, 2022 | 09:03 PM
  #3  
R66's Avatar
R66
Le Mans Master
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 7,463
Likes: 2,643
From: Really Central IL Illinois
Default

If they are not making noise, you might still want to check them. Rock the shaft and watch / feel for play. I use a screw driver to try to force the joint either way to determine play.
My recommendation is "If it ain't broke, don't fix it".
Just $.02 worth.
Reply
Old Nov 13, 2022 | 09:11 PM
  #4  
Pop Chevy's Avatar
Pop Chevy
Le Mans Master
Supporting Lifetime
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,436
Likes: 1,253
From: Sarver Pa
2021 C1 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Default

It's a simple matter to remove the u bolts and lower the shaft , pop the caps off and check em. If they look good you can stuff some grease in the caps and reassemble. That will give you a good idea what the front one will look like.
Reply
Old Nov 13, 2022 | 10:55 PM
  #5  
jim lockwood's Avatar
jim lockwood
Race Director
15 Year Member
Active Streak: 60 Days
Community Influencer
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 15,454
Likes: 8,913
From: northern california
C2 of Year Finalist (track prepared) 2019
Default

Look around the caps for orange-red dust. If you don't see any, your u-joints likely are NOT running dry and likely do NOT warrant replacing.

FWIW, my Five-Seven Shaker, which I've had for 56 years, still retains its original u-joints. I don't plan to replace them until/unless it's necessary. I don't believe in making work for myself.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To U Joint replace?



Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:34 PM.