Hey there, 72 skylark 350 – I replaced my u-joints a couple of years ago. And I noticed some vibration when I was on the highway last week. I inspected the u-joints and found that the u-joint is not being properly secured in the pinion yolk. The caps are able to slide in and out. I didn't measure the amount of play – but I would assume that it shouldn't have any play at all. I haven't pulled it out yet, but want some advice on how to proceed... I could have installed the wrong u-joint, so it isn't fitting properly. This is definitely plausible... What other issues could there be? Could the straps be stretched? As far as I can see, the only thing that keeps the caps in place are the retaining rings on the inner portion of the caps – is this correct? Thanks in advance, -Ryan
Pinion yolk should have tabs that keep them from moving. Then they should be held in place by the bands that bold into the yolk.
Some replacement joints have a locater snap in that sits inside the ears of the yoke. I can't remember if the 8.5 yoke has tabs built into it or not. Does the car have the original 8.5 rear?
Yes, I have an 8.5 rear. The u joint does have the c clips. there are no tabs on the straps or the yolk. I’m thinking I have the wrong u joint in there if it has that much slop.
Just a lucky kinda guy, I reckon. I just measured it roughly with a micrometer, it has about 87 thousandths. Of free play.
Sounds like you have the correct 1 1/8 caps but you either did not put the c-clips on the outer diameter of the cap as there will be a machined groove in the caps for these clips. So your straps are the ONLY THING holding the caps in place and the more you drive it the more the caps are going to fling outward in the strap and bolt system until...BOOM they totally fling out when the drive shaft spins round on a burn oput or something really violent. The u joints from store will sometimes be missing parts. there should always be a little bag with these clip and the grease vavle to oil the joint...UNLESS you buy the super joints which do not have the grease fitting drilled. Jim JD
I replaced the u joint this weekend. There was nothing out of the ordinary with the u joint. And appeared to be the correct one. I replaced it with a moog and also replaced the straps. My immediate hunch is that the straps were worn, and what was holding the cap in place was the c-clip. I didn’t inspect the old parts in great detail yet, but I still have them on on hand. The new joint and straps appear to be doing a better job
