how much play is alowable in u-joints???

[gingerbreadman]

the ujoints on the front driveshaft of my 85 f150 4x4 have some play in them, it is by no means alot infact it takes a trained eye to see the play in them.... the old shake reveals nothing i have to actually hold one yoke and twist the other in order to see the little bit of play there is there.....

should i replace these anyways???? remember its a front drivshaft and not used all that often compared to the rear ujoints.....


what u rekon mates???



-gbm-

 

[GaPonyFarm]

The u-joint itself shouldn't have any play... If you see movement you would be smart to change it. They're cheap!

 

[Mosse]

Changing them is a good idea. I hope it solves the problem. Had some play in my u-joints, and it was due to driveshafts ends gotten too wide, if you see what I mean.

 

[gingerbreadman]

Changing them is a good idea. I hope it solves the problem. Had some play in my u-joints, and it was due to driveshafts ends gotten too wide, if you see what I mean.

yes the weld yokes can wear and cause the yoke to cup to have play, i had this on my rear driveshaft and trip to the local machine shop with a $100 bill fixed it up well its the ujoints themselves that are worn out

anyone else???


-gbm-

 

[SuperDave]

GBM: How many times can that poor truck die???? I should think a little U-joint slack would be the LEAST of it's problems! Technically, there should be NO observeable movement BUT then it IS the "GBMobile" and, just like YOU, we allow a little SLACK! Eh?












-joint

 

[gingerbreadman]

GBM: How many times can that poor truck die???? I should think a little U-joint slack would be the LEAST of it's problems! Technically, there should be NO observeable movement BUT then it IS the "GBMobile" and, just like YOU, we allow a little SLACK! Eh?
-joint

AHHHH the man speaks

so it is one of those judgement calls eh..... Then im gonna just leave it hell its just a driveshaft

there are alot of "ifs" on this truck: power steering pump leaks at the bearing, front diff seal leaks, lifter cover (300 i6) leaks... but none of the fluid levels ever drop enough for me to be forced to fill them so i leave it alone EH???

this truck has 9 lives and so far i think its used 2 (the underdash meltdown and the distributer blowing up) hell in 2 weeks im going on a road trip to the oil fields to look for work with a couple buds and guess whos vehicle were bringing itll be close to 2500 miles i hope she makes it

yesterday i had to screw in some sheet metal screws to bolt the fender back on.... damn rust eh

b.t.w. its up to 404,000 k on the odometer

-gbm-

 

[Realmongo]

I'm sorry and should know better, but I just have to ask...Do your U-Joints have grease fittings and if they do, did you grease them?

 

[gingerbreadman]

I'm sorry and should know better, but I just have to ask...Do your U-Joints have grease fittings and if they do, did you grease them?

I grease my chassis with every oil change (5000 kilometers) i always replace ujoint etc with the greasable type.... these ujoints came with the truck and yes they have grease fittings.. maintenance is not an issue with me im pretty regimental about that stuff...

-gbm-