Half Shaft.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Half Shaft.
Hello Everyone,
I was hoping someone might be able to answer a question for me. I just removed the half shaft off the rear end on the drivers side of my 81 vet, cause one of the u-joints was squeaky. I have ordered a rebuilt shaft with u-joints already installed. Is there a trick to getting the shaft back in without messing up the u-joint end caps? I know when they fall off it can ruin the pin bearings on the inside.
Thanks, Mike
I was hoping someone might be able to answer a question for me. I just removed the half shaft off the rear end on the drivers side of my 81 vet, cause one of the u-joints was squeaky. I have ordered a rebuilt shaft with u-joints already installed. Is there a trick to getting the shaft back in without messing up the u-joint end caps? I know when they fall off it can ruin the pin bearings on the inside.
Thanks, Mike
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 4,312
Likes: 70
From: Clearwater FL
There is no real trick to it. Usually the grease keeps the caps on unless you bump it and they fall off.
Can you please elaberate on the squeaky u-joint. Normally they make a clicking noise.
Can you please elaberate on the squeaky u-joint. Normally they make a clicking noise.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Thanks
My c3 sat for around the last almost 7 years. I've been recently taking it back to life.
At low speeds ~ 15 - 20 a rotational squeak is coming from the rear drivers side. The u-joints after taking apart and looking at were VERY stiff. I just did brakes and e brake all around but, I'm pretty positive they're not the cause.
I hope to avoid wheel bearings, which I know may be the other possible cause.
Does the shaft just slide back in without the yokes being moved at the same time ? Is there a special way to align them?
Thanks again...
My c3 sat for around the last almost 7 years. I've been recently taking it back to life.
At low speeds ~ 15 - 20 a rotational squeak is coming from the rear drivers side. The u-joints after taking apart and looking at were VERY stiff. I just did brakes and e brake all around but, I'm pretty positive they're not the cause.
I hope to avoid wheel bearings, which I know may be the other possible cause.
Does the shaft just slide back in without the yokes being moved at the same time ? Is there a special way to align them?
Thanks again...
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 4,312
Likes: 70
From: Clearwater FL
If it were your bearings, the sqeak would increase or decrease w/speed.
The yokes do not have to be removed. You can take the new shaft and bolt it right in. The only thing you have to be careful with is the straps. They are very thin and bend easily. You don't have to align the yokes at 90 degrees. Once you make a tun they will be off anyway.
The yokes do not have to be removed. You can take the new shaft and bolt it right in. The only thing you have to be careful with is the straps. They are very thin and bend easily. You don't have to align the yokes at 90 degrees. Once you make a tun they will be off anyway.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Appreciate the stress ease of your advise.
Incidently the click you mention was also a symptom too. It was a click, click, click once again at lower speed braking. I checked out your store front. Looks Good!
Incidently the click you mention was also a symptom too. It was a click, click, click once again at lower speed braking. I checked out your store front. Looks Good!
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Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 4,312
Likes: 70
From: Clearwater FL
All 80-82 shafts are 13 1/2" from center to center. No matter if it's 4 spd or auto. 63-79 shafts are 13 5/8" from center to center.
Center to center = center of u-joint cap to center of u-joint cap
Center to center = center of u-joint cap to center of u-joint cap
Safety Car
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,758
Likes: 3
From: Surrey
Originally Posted by 81 C3 VET
At low speeds ~ 15 - 20 a rotational squeak & click is coming from the rear drivers side. The u-joints after taking apart and looking at were VERY stiff. I just did brakes and e brake all around but, I'm pretty positive they're not the cause.
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