Wheel bearing or u-joint ????
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 3,581
Likes: 1
From: Springfield VA
Wheel bearing or u-joint ????
I have an intermittent clinking in the left rear. The clicking is louder when turning the car to the left. There doesn't appear to be any play in the wheel or in the half shaft. With the car on jack stands (well supported) with the motor running there is a very small oscillation in the half shaft right at the u-joint. The clicking is constant but very quiet.
I would think it is the u-joint except I can't get any play in it. Any ideas????
I would think it is the u-joint except I can't get any play in it. Any ideas????
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 83,383
Likes: 87
From: Boston, MA
With that tire jacked up, can you rock the wheel at all with your hands at 12 and 6? If so, wheel bearing. Also when checking for u-joints, look to see if the differential yoke turns in key with the halfshaft. If not, then the inner u-joint is shot.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 3,581
Likes: 1
From: Springfield VA
Re: (scorp508)
With that tire jacked up, can you rock the wheel at all with your hands at 12 and 6? If so, wheel bearing. Also when checking for u-joints, look to see if the differential yoke turns in key with the halfshaft. If not, then the inner u-joint is shot.
When you said "turns in key with the halfshaft", I'm a little confused. ???
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 83,383
Likes: 87
From: Boston, MA
Re: (96LT1)
When you said "turns in key with the halfshaft", I'm a little confused. ???
The wheel, the halfshaft, and the differential all have to turn in unison. If there is any slop at one of the two unions (wheel to 1/2 shaft, or 1/2 shaft to differential) then there is most likely a blown u-joint there.
You need both wheels off the ground to do this.
If I turn my wheel, the 1/2 shaft should turn exactly like the wheel, and the differential should also. If the wheel turns say 1/4" before the halfshaft catches and turns, then my outter u-joint is toasted. If the wheel and halfshaft turn 1/4" before the differential catches and turns, then the inner u-joint is toasted.
A little clearer? :)
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 3,581
Likes: 1
From: Springfield VA
Re: (scorp508)
Much clearer Brian, thanks.
Thats part of my confusion about it being bearing or u-joint. Everything turns in time ( in key) and no play or slop anywhere. If it wasn't for the clicking (definitely coming from the axle/wheel/knuckle) and the oscillation, I would say everything was okay.
Thats part of my confusion about it being bearing or u-joint. Everything turns in time ( in key) and no play or slop anywhere. If it wasn't for the clicking (definitely coming from the axle/wheel/knuckle) and the oscillation, I would say everything was okay.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 14,064
Likes: 1,166
From: N. Alabama
Re: Wheel bearing or u-joint ???? (96LT1)
u-joint! I replaced some the other day on an '87. Not much problem. You need a small press to do it yourself. Ping me off line if you need help/advice.
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