rear axle u-joints?
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,548
Likes: 3
From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member, Inland Empire Chapter
rear axle u-joints?
I just found out I have 3 bad rear axle u-joints and the owners of the extended warranty company I was counting on to repair this went to Mexico with the company assets. Well. Ive done pretty major auto projects before. I did a '72 Elco restore a few years back. Ive done engine and trannie replacements. Replaced and upgraded entire rear ends and drive shafts. But Ive never done anything major on a vette. Is replacing the rear axle u-joints something the average shade tree mechanic like me can do or should I spend the ca$h and have it done? Ive already got the u-joints thanks to a goodly Forum member. (Thanks Caboboy!) Thanks for any input on this.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 83,383
Likes: 87
From: Boston, MA
Re: rear axle u-joints? (DarkHalo)
Sounds like you can handle it, this will give you an idea of whats involved.
http://personal.tmlp.com/scorp/vette/images/ujoints/
http://personal.tmlp.com/scorp/vette/images/ujoints/
Racer
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 280
Likes: 0
From: edmonton ab
Re: rear axle u-joints? (DarkHalo)
replacement is not difficult for the average shade tree, HAYNES repair manual section 8-10, explains the th R&R..you may want to do a wheel alignment when done.. or to retain correct rear end alignment scribe the cam bolt and the mountting bracket:
the previous thread is very discriptive
[Modified by vettek50, 9:49 PM 7/2/2003]
the previous thread is very discriptive
[Modified by vettek50, 9:49 PM 7/2/2003]
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,548
Likes: 3
From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member, Inland Empire Chapter
Re: rear axle u-joints? (scorp508)
Thanks for all the input guys. I guess Ill go ahead and give it a shot.
That page of yours is *exactly* what I was hoping to find Scorp, thanks!!! Is there an index page for your site for other how to tech gems like this one?
That page of yours is *exactly* what I was hoping to find Scorp, thanks!!! Is there an index page for your site for other how to tech gems like this one?
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 4,212
Likes: 10
From: Sun City West Az
Re: rear axle u-joints? (93Polo)
To save yourself an alignment....don't mess with the camber botls. Just pull the brace off the 3rd member instead. (4 bolts)......that way you lower the arm to the ground and the camber bolts never move. :D
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,548
Likes: 3
From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member, Inland Empire Chapter
Re: rear axle u-joints? (ittlfly)
To save yourself an alignment....don't mess with the camber botls. Just pull the brace off the 3rd member instead. (4 bolts)......that way you lower the arm to the ground and the camber bolts never move. :D
But I did get the axles out pretty easily I think. Im sure going back in will be a bit dicier though. Ill take the axles to a friends tomorrow that has a 12 ton press. One cool tip I ran across online I wanted to share...I was at Pep Boys to get a pickle fork to take the tie rods loose and saw there was 2 diff types. So I thought Id run home and do a quick bit of research to see which exact one I needed. I ran across a tip saying that instead of using a pickle fork just take the cotter pin and loosen the nut then use a hammer and tap the knuckle a couple inches away from the tie rod (you thought I was gonna say tap the nut huh?). Just a light tap and the tie rod dropped right out and it was damned tight to begin with. The guy said this was to avoid tearing the rubber boots. I tried it again later on the other side and got the exact same results so I guess it wasnt a fluke. The original tip was for a front steering tie rod on a porsche, but what the hell if it works? lol
http://www.nichols.nu/tip701.htm
Thanks for all the info guys, especially that how-to page Scorp.