How much is too much?

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Mar 23, 2004 | 03:08 PM

dwestsr

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From: charlotte nc

How much is too much?

I just had my 86 up in the air for emissions check. The smog tech was kind enough to let me under the car. I checked the ujoints and wheel bearings. What I found was that I had one ujoint with slight looseness , all others were tight. Both rear wheels had a slight amount of play (1/8 " or less).
Question is, how much play is allowable before R&R. Car runs great with no noises. Mileage is about 103,000.
I know I need to replace joints and bearing eventually, but I don't want do it too soon. Car is a daily driver. Your opinion please? :cheers:

Mar 23, 2004 | 03:10 PM

bogus

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From: San Pedro CA

Re: How much is too much? (dwestsr)

for the miles and age? I would say sooner than later.

1/8" is just the beginning... it will grow rapidly.

I would take a saturday and rip the rear apart and replace everything... hubs, ujoints, rear diff lube, bushings... just do it.

If you have a garage/concrete driveway, jackstands and air tools, you are set.

Mar 23, 2004 | 03:33 PM

65Z01

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From: SE NY

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Re: How much is too much? (dwestsr)

I too think you may be getting close on the U-joints.

Suddenly at ~125k miles my right rears began to click badly with about 1/4-3/8" of play and it was scary driving to the Chevy garage to have em replaced.

Though I don't think it's "urgent", you should plan on replacing the loose U-joints soon.

Mar 23, 2004 | 03:36 PM

scorp508

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From: Boston, MA

Re: How much is too much? (dwestsr)

Quote:

Re: How much is too much?

Any! I think book tolerences are 0.003" or something nutty like that. If you have 1/8" of play get new ones in there before they let loose on you at the worst possible time.

Mar 23, 2004 | 05:16 PM

1990CORVETTE

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From: 1,000,000,001 Posts

Re: How much is too much? (scorp508)

Quote:

Re: How much is too much?

Any! I think book tolerences are 0.003" or something nutty like that. If you have 1/8" of play get new ones in there before they let loose on you at the worst possible time.

:iagree: :iagree:
When I bought my vette,,, it wasnt very well maintained in my opinion, the exhaust was rusted off, the u-joint was bad the transmission was shot, but the oil was clean and I pulled the valve covers and it was clean in there also,,, any way dont take any chances ,,, if it needs fixed ,,, fix it,,,,,...then she will love you :thumbs:

Mar 23, 2004 | 08:26 PM

CFI-EFI

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From: The Top of Utah

Re: How much is too much? (dwestsr)

After too many miles, I decided to replace my 1/2 shaft u joints. They exhibited NO play. When I replaced them, I saw shiny spots on the yokes. Diagnosis? They were froze up and the caps were spinning in the yokes. Change them!

RACE ON!!!

Mar 24, 2004 | 01:40 AM

skeet

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From: prescott AZ

Re: How much is too much? (CFI-EFI)

I had about 1/8" play in the rear on my 85 with 50k miles. Replaced the bearings and still had 1/8 play. Turned out to be the whole rear knuckle moving because of bushings. The old bearings were fine though it might be diffferent with 103 k miles.

Mar 24, 2004 | 07:37 PM

dwestsr

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From: charlotte nc

Re: How much is too much? (dwestsr)

Well, it sounds like I need to get out the jack and stands, not to mention the wallet. Thanks guys , you input is appreciated. BTW, I will check the bushings first. :cheers: