C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

U-joint reconditioning

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Old Oct 23, 2022 | 08:53 AM
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Default U-joint reconditioning

While I had a half shaft out for wheel bearing replacement, (that's another thread) I thought I should clean and regrease my u-joints. After removing the joints and cleaning them, I laid out all the parts.



I didn't know these are special u-joints that have grooves to hold the needle bearings in place



I smeared a little grease around the inside of the cup to help hold the needles while I assemble them



I see one of them broke off, but it's ok as I have the broken off piece.



All done! Just like new.




Time for installation




Last edited by 64Scout; Oct 23, 2022 at 09:00 AM.
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Old Oct 23, 2022 | 09:03 AM
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Perfect !!
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Old Oct 23, 2022 | 09:29 AM
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nothing at all wrong with doing this.

im not sure how much wear happens to the tolerances or not. about the onlypossible downside may be if they are worn out and loose im not sure rebuilding would last.

for a daily driver id say this is perfectly acceptable in my book! im a big fan of keeping sunk costs as low as possible for the street. if its a racecar or piece of equipment that generates revenue then i pm like crazy.

were they tight at notchy prior to your cleaning?

after cleaning are they floppy and smooth or tight and smooth?

👍👍👍 i think your post will help some new young owners who are refurbing thier new to them c4’s
.........sarcasm

Last edited by VikingTrad3r; Oct 24, 2022 at 01:04 AM.
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Old Oct 23, 2022 | 10:23 AM
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..... Please tell me this was a hoax ! ..... Those grooves are from wear , they were NOT machined into the caps and trunnions on purpose ... there was a broken needle bearing for crise sakes ! ... spring for some new ones .....

..... I see them installed right where they belong ! .....
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Old Oct 23, 2022 | 10:47 AM
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My take on it was that he installed them in the trash can and bought new ones !!
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Old Oct 23, 2022 | 11:04 AM
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It's a joke. It has to be.

My 88 has a squeaky and popping RR outer u joint, (total carnage inside) so I ordered all 4 for the half shafts and 2 for the driveshaft.
For the labor (my labor) and price of the new ones, I wouldn't bother to try to re grease u joints.

They should be here Tuesday and I'll get er done next week.


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Old Oct 23, 2022 | 11:12 AM
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Originally Posted by C409
..... Please tell me this was a hoax ! ..... Those grooves are from wear , they were NOT machined into the caps and trunnions on purpose ... there was a broken needle bearing for crise sakes ! ... spring for some new ones .....

..... I see them installed right where they belong ! .....
Not. OMG, those joints are junk!!!
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Old Oct 23, 2022 | 12:27 PM
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That was funny as hell! Good one!
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Old Oct 23, 2022 | 01:51 PM
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Originally Posted by 64Scout
While I had a half shaft out for wheel bearing replacement, (that's another thread) I thought I should clean and regrease my u-joints. After removing the joints and cleaning them, I laid out all the parts.



I didn't know these are special u-joints that have grooves to hold the needle bearings in place



I smeared a little grease around the inside of the cup to help hold the needles while I assemble them



I see one of them broke off, but it's ok as I have the broken off piece.



All done! Just like new.




Time for installation


Lol. A 2nd look is needed.!

Many.. did not read & look at the complete humorous posting.

I have studded rotors and pressure plate to aide with the Recycled U-joints.
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Old Oct 23, 2022 | 07:13 PM
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pretty sure its a joke but u can play along.

any ujoint is cheap but the ones with the grease zirks are REAL cheap from RA

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Old Oct 23, 2022 | 09:28 PM
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Originally Posted by THE 383 admiral
Lol. A 2nd look is needed.!

Many.. did not read & look at the complete humorous posting.

I have studded rotors and pressure plate to aide with the Recycled U-joints.
Yes, it seems a few did not see the installation.
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Old Oct 24, 2022 | 11:31 AM
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I'm glad you found the broken needle bearing. Don't want excessive noise.
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Old Oct 24, 2022 | 02:18 PM
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Glad its a joke.thing is so many are that cheap they will do just that.

Yrs back a member was being smart to someone giving advice on breaks.
So the "helping" member said he could fill the M/C with pancake syrup...it would still stop.
Week later you see the guy posting a " xxxx member tried to kill me!" thread
he actually did it.cheapazz.
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Old Oct 24, 2022 | 06:51 PM
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The real installation
pull one cap off and carefully slip the bare trunnion in the yoke, and set the opposite side in its yoke. Don't let the trunnion touch anything so as to not pick up dirt. Carefully put the cap back on and push as far as it will go.


Last edited by 64Scout; Oct 24, 2022 at 07:02 PM.
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Old Oct 24, 2022 | 06:52 PM
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Set it in your vise and press the cap into the trunnion. Do not pound it in. Once it is flush or nearly flush, I like to put one retainer in.

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Old Oct 24, 2022 | 06:56 PM
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Find a piece of pipe or a socket that is just smaller than the cap. You don't want to push on the middle as this can deform or break the cap. Open the vise up and with the socket in place press it the rest of the way in. Be careful not to overdo it.


Last edited by 64Scout; Oct 24, 2022 at 07:03 PM.
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Old Oct 24, 2022 | 06:58 PM
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Once the cap in fully pressed in, install the other retainer. Your new ujoint may feel tight, and it likely is. Take a hammer and tap around the yoke to seat the caps properly. On this one I had to tap the inside of the yoke outward to set them.


Last edited by 64Scout; Oct 24, 2022 at 07:04 PM.
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Old Oct 24, 2022 | 07:00 PM
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Lastly, wrap some tape around the ujoint to keep the caps from falling off. I like electrical tape because it is easy to remove.
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Old Oct 24, 2022 | 08:11 PM
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did u actually find the coated caps version?
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