Stop and halfshaft drop
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Stop and halfshaft drop
My heart broke today but not my spirit. With that being said here what happened:
A month ago I got my rear u joints replaced. Even fixed the idling problem i had with the carburetor so I was smooth sailing for weeks. Today I stopped at a stop light and the car died. I pumped the gas a couple of times and turn the key and was feeling the car try to turn over.
I pump the gas, turn the key and the car wigs out and revs to 6000rpm. I drop it into drive and it goes a couple of hundred feet uncontrolled by my pressure on the brakes. The car dies again. I start the car and my halfshaft dropped. Spindle flange is shredded on one side, u joint pieces everywhere. I was only a block away.
Instead of buying a new carburetor next month I now going to get a new left spindle flange and halfshaft w/ujoints. My question is that be it the work on the ujoint could be called into question, what is it about my timing cause my car to torque so wildly that my half shaft broke off? I get most of my parts from Corvette Central so If I could get a hand on parts I'd appreciate it. Its the back left rear halfshaft/Automatic. I'm between getting part Item# 583148 or Item# 583030 with the flange.
I dont want to give up on this car but replacing a problem within a month after fixing it is like taking a stake to the heart.
A month ago I got my rear u joints replaced. Even fixed the idling problem i had with the carburetor so I was smooth sailing for weeks. Today I stopped at a stop light and the car died. I pumped the gas a couple of times and turn the key and was feeling the car try to turn over.
I pump the gas, turn the key and the car wigs out and revs to 6000rpm. I drop it into drive and it goes a couple of hundred feet uncontrolled by my pressure on the brakes. The car dies again. I start the car and my halfshaft dropped. Spindle flange is shredded on one side, u joint pieces everywhere. I was only a block away.
Instead of buying a new carburetor next month I now going to get a new left spindle flange and halfshaft w/ujoints. My question is that be it the work on the ujoint could be called into question, what is it about my timing cause my car to torque so wildly that my half shaft broke off? I get most of my parts from Corvette Central so If I could get a hand on parts I'd appreciate it. Its the back left rear halfshaft/Automatic. I'm between getting part Item# 583148 or Item# 583030 with the flange.
I dont want to give up on this car but replacing a problem within a month after fixing it is like taking a stake to the heart.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
If I understand correctly, I'd be looking at why it revved to 6K in the first place rather than blaming U-joint work for your having dropped it into gear rather than shutting off.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
From: Texas
I agree. not the u joint fault, im at a lost on why it shut off and went wild. I'm hoping a new carburetor would fix the issue but what else should I look at after I change out the carburetor? I heard something on another forum about an accelerator pump but I have no idea what that is.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,037
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From: Mobile Alabama
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 6,422
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From: McHenry Illinois
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2011
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From: Midland Ontario
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Sorry if I sound mean.......but I'm kinda sctratching my head as to why you thought putting the car in gear was a good idea? Regardless, I think you need to send an email to Lars with the particulars on your carb before you even consider spending money on a new one. Given that you're not sure what an accelerator pump is, I think you need to step back and do some homework before owning this car puts you in the poor house. There are a lot of very knowledgeable, helpful people on this forum who are willing to help each other out if you ask. Post where you're located, and maybe someone can swing by to lend a hand. That's the real joy of this hobby for me.....being able to help fellow enthusiasts, and in turn help myself. Good Luck. 
Last edited by briankeery; Aug 19, 2012 at 08:40 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 6,937
Likes: 848
From: melbourne florida
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
it may only be the linkage binding or even the carburetor is in a bind etc. get someone with some intelligence to look it over. 6 grand neutral drive drop? my suggestion don't vote
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Sorry if I sound mean.......but I'm kinda sctratching my head as to why you thought putting the car in gear was a good idea? Regardless, I think you need to send an email to Lars with the particulars on your carb before you even consider spending money on a new one. Given that you're not sure what an accelerator pump is, I think you need to step back and do some homework before owning this car puts you in the poor house. There are a lot of very knowledgeable, helpful people on this forum who are willing to help each other out if you ask. Post where you're located, and maybe someone can swing by to lend a hand. That's the real joy of this hobby for me.....being able to help fellow enthusiasts, and in turn help myself. Good Luck.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
Instead of buying a new carburetor next month I now going to get a new left spindle flange and halfshaft w/ujoints. My question is that be it the work on the ujoint could be called into question, what is it about my timing cause my car to torque so wildly that my half shaft broke off? I get most of my parts from Corvette Central so If I could get a hand on parts I'd appreciate it. Its the back left rear halfshaft/Automatic. I'm between getting part Item# 583148 or Item# 583030 with the flange.
I dont want to give up on this car but replacing a problem within a month after fixing it is like taking a stake to the heart.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 208
Likes: 4
From: Wichita Kansas
I know a guy with a similar issue (stuck throttle no return). It would work fine while trying to diagnose the problem. Turned out he had an aftermarket drop air cleaner that at WOT the linkage jammed against the base and wouldn't allow return. Didn't happen all the time just once in a while.
Moral or story look for simple reasons first..
Moral or story look for simple reasons first..
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
Note to the OP, while it occasionally takes thick skin to survive around here, I hope you know that we're not necessarily trying to flame you to a cinder for your lack of knowledge. It's just that these cars typically require a bit more of their owners than most.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
From: Texas
^ I dig it
The car clubs around here all have newer Vettes and the mechanics I have ran through....As a novice its difficult and fun.Air filter.....mine could be smaller. I'll try that before I think about getting another carburetor. If it kills off in the middle of the road i'll just let it sit and not pump the gas.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Racer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 498
Likes: 77
From: DFW Texas
Just a thought, you can find those parts at a salvage yard. I twisted a half shaft off my 74 and did a replacement for like $50 bucks with new u joint. Painted it up looks great and not that difficult of a repair. My vote, get in there and do the work yourself. Part of the fun.
