twinkletoes

iTrader: (17)

Well recently i've been having the shaking/bucking/screeching sound coming from the rear in reverse and deceleration while in gear. Pretty sure its the u joints cause I can totally wiggle the driveshaft around. I've searched and searched and noticed a lot of people have got new u joints and had a driveline shop install the new parts. I noticed rockauto sells u joints for the front and rear, but obviously you supposedly cant replace them. Should I get the ones from rockauto and take it to a driveline shop or just get the $267 aftermarket driveshaft from mazdatrix and not worry about it for another 10+ years. Help me decide please. Thanks.

mazdaverx713b

iTrader: (91)

its up to you. i've heard that shops can replace the non replaceable u-joints. i've never come across one. the u-joints hold up fairly well over the years. i'd first pull the driveshaft and verify that the u-joints front or rear or both are faulty efore you order any parts.

trochoid

iTrader: (6)

If you have a shop rebuild the driveshaft, they will source the joints for you. Find a local shop and ask if they can do the rebuild.

twinkletoes

iTrader: (17)

Well looks like mazdatrix is the way. Just talked to a driveline shop and they said 300 or more haha.

OneRotor

iTrader: (3)

or you could get a driveshaft shipped in from a forum member. Do you have a S2 or a S3?

twinkletoes

iTrader: (17)

True. I have a S2. I'm thinking the mazdatrix one though cause if it ever happens again I'll be able to rebuild it myself.

twinkletoes

iTrader: (17)

So how do I check for bad u joints with the driveshaft out of the car? The rear u joints have no play but the front yoke feels like its going to fall off. It makes the same sound when you wiggle it as when I was in reverse.

trochoid

iTrader: (6)

Then I'd say the front one is toast.

speedracer_not

assuming that you took out the drive shaft, it will be obvious which u joints need replacing.

In 1990 a machine shop pressed in new u joints , they lasted until 2000. In 2000 I installed a junk yard drive shaft.

So I should of spent the $267 in 1990 on the rebuildable drive shaft.

Jeezus

iTrader: (4)

Just replace the U joints...

Part #
8BB1-25-060

jgrewe

iTrader: (1)

I buy u-joints from Rockford Driveline. They also have a good instruction page to explain how its done. IIRC they are about $19 ea.

twinkletoes

iTrader: (17)

I checked that place out, but they seem to have them for 84 and later years only. Right now I'm pretty set on the aftermarket driveshaft from mazdatrix. I think it will be easier in the long run.

Jeezus

iTrader: (4)

You cannot service 84-85 driveshafts.

mazdaverx713b

iTrader: (91)

correct but i believe the mazdatrix driveshafts are completely serviceable

hanman

A good driveline shop will replace the "non replaceable" joints in the 84/5's. For less than half the price of the mazdatrix version. I had mine done in OKC a couple of years ago for $116.00.

jgrewe

iTrader: (1)

Most are considered 'not seviceable' its all about production methods. They swedge the joints in when its first made so there are no clips holding the caps in. The bore that holds the caps is still fine if things don't get worn to far. Once you hammer out the originals you clean off the burrs that hold them with a die grinder and the new joints use clips on the inside to stay in.

twinkletoes

iTrader: (17)

I ended up ordering the aftermarket driveshaft from mazdatrix. I'll report back after its installed.

twinkletoes

iTrader: (17)

Installed new driveshaft yesterday morning and everything is perfect now. Rides smoother than before. Thanks guys.