redwingvette

Yesterday I decided to take the 73 Vette for a ride but once I got to the main road I noticed a new sound, almost rhythmic not quite a grinding sound but still not good.
Today I took off the rear tires to check for worn u-joints but they all seemed to be tight. I put a jack under both trailing arms to set the half shafts some what level. Then I started the motor and put it in gear at idle. The drivers side rotated nice and smooth but the passenger side has a wobble and a slight clicking sound. I am thinking a dry/tight U-joint.
I think I will remove both half shafts and replace the universals.

What do you guys think?

Gordonm

redwingvette

GTR1999

It will be interesting to hear what you find. If there is a wobble in the axle it is bearings, if you see the back of the arm moving around it could be a bad joint or the axle sliding in/out of the diff. If you grab a wheel stud and can feel movement pushing and pulling on it then there is at least 003 endplay which is in spec but loose. One thing for sure there's not a lot it can be back there- Inner axle- shafts, outer axle.

redwingvette

Both half shafts are off. The Issue appears to be the U-joints. The outside ends are so dry/tight that I can not move them without hammering on them. The passenger side much worst then the driver side.
Added note: I believe them to be original, no grease fittings.

hamrad

I had the exact same thing happen to me earlier this week. I replaced the half shaft u-joints today. It was a royal pain in the A@#. Hope it goes better for you.

GTR1999

Best way to remove the old joints is to burn them out

redwingvette

all done and back together. No more wobble or noise. Mazza's, a local auto parts store, pressed out/in the new Spicer U-joints.
Taking the half shafts out was a pain but they went back in easier. The four post lift I bought sure has made things a lot easier then laying on my back like I use to have to do.