universal joints

Can anybody tell me how you can tell when a universal joint requires changing? My 200tdi discovery has developed a noise like a herd of mice when taking up drive in 1st 2nd & 3rd gear up to about 35-40 mph could this be an indication of a uj on it's way out. Also there is a matallic sound that goes with this.

Any suggestions would be greatful as i would like to go to driffield LRO show at the weekend and would like to sort this problem out before going.

SHANE

Try stickin a big fook off screwdriver in the joint and wigglin it. If You've got movement, its fooked.

Any movement in joint is bad news, good news is they are easy and inexpensive to replace. Clunking when moving off and lifting foot of the pedal is a good indicator of wear. Clunking will be heard comming from under driver's seat.

Disco Blue said:

Clunking when moving off and lifting foot of the pedal is a good indicator of wear. Clunking will be heard comming from under driver's seat.

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Aye an if yer still got a clunk after you've done yer UJ's, there a whole load of other things which cause a 'clunk' when 'tekkin up yer drive' too... Oh the joys of output shafts on gear boxis.... S'ok! Am sure yours is fine.

I had a nakered uj that gave off very similar symptoms to yours, I was in cornwall driving up those lovely steep hills!! It sounded horrendous more under load, at the time i thought it was more gearbox problems, when i was there i checked the oil in both boxes but it was fine cudn't see anything obvious. Drove it about another 5 or 600 miles got home and straight away found that it was a dodgy uj it was completely nakered, to be honest i'm quite glad i didn't find it when i was in cornwall because i'd of had to have done it was so bad, i'm surprised it was still driving.

I think mine had brown crap all round it were it had worn the joint, and mine had so much play in it there wasn't any need to get a screwdriver in.

shanelloyd said:

Can anybody tell me how you can tell when a universal joint requires changing? My 200tdi discovery has developed a noise like a herd of mice when taking up drive in 1st 2nd & 3rd gear up to about 35-40 mph could this be an indication of a uj on it's way out. Also there is a matallic sound that goes with this.

Any suggestions would be greatful as i would like to go to driffield LRO show at the weekend and would like to sort this problem out before going.

SHANE

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One of mine went on the front prop, sounded like a wailing banshee dragging nails down a blackboard, also came with a sh1t load of vibration , when i put my foot on the loud peddle and clunking vibration screaming etc was so bad thought it was the main thrust bearing, but thankfully £5.96 later a couple of scuffed knuckles it was gud as new.

If you haven't got one get a Haynes manual and do it yerself, ignore the bit about a vice u don't need one just a hammer some circlip pliers and a socket set, a very satisfying job.........

O yes dont forget pleanty of WD40........

The April issue of LROi has 6 pages on the UJ subject and it shows how to check and replace the the UJ and it all in colour. The hardest part is laying in the street and unbolting the prop.

replace uj and all is fine. Sorry i forgot to update sooner

i'm having the same problem with mine atm. dont need a screwdriver,theres about a inch of movement!!

but how the f*ck do u undo them propshaft bolts!?

si844 said:

i'm having the same problem with mine atm. dont need a screwdriver,theres about a inch of movement!!

but how the f*ck do u undo them propshaft bolts!?

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you need a 3/8 drive 9/16" socket and a 9/16" combination spanner.
Start with the diff end (there's more space there) and when that's disconnected you can move the prop about to gain more space to undo the T/F box end bolts.

A couple of 9/16 spanners and rotate the shaft until you've got room to get em on. It's a bit fiddly but you'll soon get the hang of it. If you get the front up on axle stands (assuming it's the front shaft) you can rotate it easily from underneath. You can buy a special socket for the propshaft bolts for about 15 quid but I've always managed without.

the 4 bolts on diff came off but the gearbox end wont, one is out one is solid and two are dameged due to the movement. penetrating oil blow torch and plenty of leverage has been used. cutting them looks the only way!

yup, get yer angle grinder out.
it's a good idea to replace the nuts and bolts anyway.

when ye do get the prop off it's not too bad a job to replace the uj's...

http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/f38/uj-renewal-59812.html

HybridGirl said:

Aye an if yer still got a clunk after you've done yer UJ's, there a whole load of other things which cause a 'clunk' when 'tekkin up yer drive' too... Oh the joys of output shafts on gear boxis.... S'ok! Am sure yours is fine.

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HB you got me fookin worried now!!I'VE GOT CLUNKS!! it aint the Ujs, mechanic cudnt find nowt but backlash, MOT guy heard it but cudnt find no prob or play..but this 'output shaft' malarky!!wat the fook!!betta get on to me mechanic!again....makin him a rich man....

rafa_surf said:

HB you got me fookin worried now!!I'VE GOT CLUNKS!! it aint the Ujs, mechanic cudnt find nowt but backlash, MOT guy heard it but cudnt find no prob or play..but this 'output shaft' malarky!!wat the fook!!betta get on to me mechanic!again....makin him a rich man....

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What are yer doin when yer 'clunk' happens?

How's yer drive flanges or cee-vee joints?