fmorser

85 12A driveshaft universal joints have grease fittings. Does that mean they're not OEM and are then replaceable? Bought the car used and don't know the history.

Thanks.

rotor vs. piston

Possibly, also (a stretch though) you may have an earlier drive shaft on the car. This happened to me, thankfully, the PO of my -SE swapped the thrid member for a smaller flange unit.

ratboy

iTrader: (1)

I just replaced the drive shaft in my 85 SE and now know the factory U joints on the driveshaft are NOT replaceable (general concensus for reliability and no noise anyways). I now have an aftermarket driveshaft but I didnt see any grease fittings when I put it in? I do know that the 12a and 13b shafts are different (Se longer I think) so I dont know if there are other differences. You can get (rebuildable) replacement driveshafts from mazdatrix for ~ 250$. Whats the milage on your car? Seems that ujoints go ~ 100K miles so if you are near that I would guess they are still original...

racintang

Alot of people say that they are not replaceable but alot say they are, including me sinceI have changed them on my 80 with no problem.

Just my opinon

rotor vs. piston

Supposedly only the drive shafts with the large flange are not replaceible = most '83 and all '84/'85's.

fmorser

car has 187K on it. doubtful the original drive shaft. the u joint manufacturer is Spicer. Aftermarket and replaceable? Drive shaft is silver color. I didn't expect that. Was thinking it would be black.