1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

U-joint, minor or MAJOR repair work?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 05-07-02, 12:38 PM
  #1  
Full Member

Thread Starter
 
AZ85RX7's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Question U-joint, minor or MAJOR repair work?

i read in my Hanes manual that instead of replacing the U-joint itself, it's better to replace the entire drive shaft? Is this absolutely necessary?
Old 05-07-02, 01:03 PM
  #2  
Driven a turbo FB lately?

iTrader: (1)
 
MIKE-P-28's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Fort Branch, Indiana
Posts: 6,444
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I believ on 83+ you have to, you got no choice...

I had a local fabricator do mine on my 80. He charged like $20 bucks labor just took him the parts and the driveshaft walked out 15 minutes later put it on and was happy. No fuss no BS. They make driveshaft and rebuild CV joints. And have the proper measuring equip. and balance equipment..

Last edited by MIKE-P-28; 05-07-02 at 01:07 PM.
Old 05-07-02, 01:11 PM
  #3  
Open up! Search Warrant!

 
Project84's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Kicking down doors in a neighborhood near you
Posts: 3,838
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Its probably easier to replace any shaft with a worn u-joint then try to repair it. Its something to do with keeping the shaft balanced. At 3000rpms, an unbalanced shaft can wobble and wear out some bearings or something.

Last edited by Project84; 05-07-02 at 01:21 PM.
Old 05-07-02, 01:19 PM
  #4  
Full Member

Thread Starter
 
AZ85RX7's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
nice, now I just have to find the money.....
Old 05-07-02, 01:38 PM
  #5  
all aboard!

 
nimrodTT's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Houston
Posts: 1,204
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
pick one up from a junkyard for about $20-30.
Old 05-07-02, 02:37 PM
  #6  
Rotary Freak

iTrader: (1)
 
85RX7GS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: NJ
Posts: 2,693
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
You could pick one up at a junkyard, but what if that's on it's way out? You're probably better off buying an aftermarket one as the Mazda one is pretty expensive.
Old 05-07-02, 02:48 PM
  #7  
Full Member

iTrader: (1)
 
branca's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: south sound
Posts: 247
Received 4 Likes on 2 Posts
I went the new driveshaft route on my 84 and bought the Mazdatrix one w/ replaceable U-joints, $257.04 delivered. (Ordered Monday got it Friday.)

http://mazdatrix.com/getprice.asp?partnum=2691-701

A fair chunk of change, but worth it IMO since it made a big difference in my car. The vibration and clunking I had is now gone, and the shifts seem much smoother.

The only wrinkle is that I had to pound out a portion of the heat sheild between the cat and driveshaft since the front yoke on the new shaft is a bit larger in diameter then the stock one and was rubbing.
Old 05-08-02, 08:33 AM
  #8  
Driven a turbo FB lately?

iTrader: (1)
 
MIKE-P-28's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Fort Branch, Indiana
Posts: 6,444
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally posted by AZ85RX7
nice, now I just have to find the money.....
What year car you got, Ill sell ya mine from my 85.. All I need is the rear of your old one if its an 85...Mine worked perfect, no clanks, no pop no noises...
Old 05-08-02, 11:12 AM
  #9  
Full Member

Thread Starter
 
AZ85RX7's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
cool

Mine's an 85 also. How much would you sell it to me for?
Old 05-08-02, 10:27 PM
  #10  
Full Member

 
GlobalSport's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Lansing, MI
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Later year shafts CAN be rebuilt. I called a driveshaft shop today to have my '85 fixed. $44 for parts, $35 for labor, 3-4 days to perform the work. Balancing is included. Not a bad deal. You just need to find someone with a little experience.

After rebuild, it's headed for shotblast (a work perk) and paint.
Old 05-09-02, 07:52 AM
  #11  
Senior Member

 
Denny's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Central Ohio
Posts: 438
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Driveshaft Curse

Buckaroos....

I tried two different shops here is Central Ohio. Sent shafts in for u-joint replacement and balancing. Both came back better than before, but still had vibrations at certain speeds. Sent one back to the shop for further balancing and it came back still with a vibration at 45 mph! Dealer wants $400 for a new one. I gave up trying to find a fix....Money out the exhaust pipe.
Ended up going buying one from Mazdatrix, and that's my advice....Mazdatrix. One's in my local yard have way too many miles on 'em, and have been sittin' outside too long...

Denny,
From the 'ol corncrib...
Old 05-09-02, 11:08 AM
  #12  
Full Member

Thread Starter
 
AZ85RX7's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
ok, I'll try Mazdatrix, thanks guys!
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Th0m4s
Build Threads
25
02-26-19 02:04 AM



Quick Reply: U-joint, minor or MAJOR repair work?



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:31 PM.