Tight U Joints?

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May 6, 2008 | 09:06 PM

76projectstingray

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From: Jersey shore NJ

Tight U Joints?

Ok, I just replaced the u joints in my half shafts and my drive shaft with solid spicers. I am 100% sure that the caps are on right with no misplaced needles and i put the caps in just far enough to get the C clips in. Nothing is bent ,but they feel tight when you move them. There is no binding they just feel tighter then I expected. Will they loosen up?

May 6, 2008 | 09:13 PM

Gordonm

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From: Forked River NJ

Yes that is fairly normal to have them be tight. As long as they do move you should be fine. They will loosen up some.

May 6, 2008 | 09:55 PM

7T1vette

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From: Crossville TN

If the end pieces (trunions) didn't get bent during U-joint removal or reinstallation, they should be fine. If they were particularly difficult to remove, the end units can sustain some deformation.

May 7, 2008 | 04:28 AM

gingerbreadman1977

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From: gold coast queensland

yep. normal. as long as you can move them by hand there should be no problem.

May 7, 2008 | 05:48 PM

76projectstingray

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Instructor

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From: Jersey shore NJ

Thanks I was hoping that was the case. they do move freely just tight and it seems you would lose some power turning them. Thanks again, on to the next job!

May 7, 2008 | 08:12 PM

Ironcross

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From: Taylor Michigan

if you hit the yoke on the side below the caps with a ball peen hammer they Will loosen up.Do both sides.....

May 7, 2008 | 08:56 PM

kevinator80

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From: Lafayette Louisiana

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ironcross

if you hit the yoke on the side below the caps with a ball peen hammer they Will loosen up.Do both sides.....

Or you could tap the ends of the cross (without the caps on) up or down until it loosens up. Don't go crazy, just a tap. You have one end slightly out of the sweet spot.

Last edited by kevinator80; May 7, 2008 at 09:01 PM.

May 8, 2008 | 01:51 AM

gingerbreadman1977

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From: gold coast queensland

i tapped mine but nothing changed. they are just firm and thats it. there is so much leverage and centrifugal motion on them that you will be loosing absolutely no power.once they have been on your car for the first 5 minutes of running they will be as smooth ever.