mgarlock

iTrader: (1)

So I just finished replacing the staked in u-joints on the drive shaft for my 90 vert. I ordered the replacement joint from Rockford Driveline. Part # 430-10a they were $67.00 delivered.

It was about a 5 in difficulty on a scale of 1-10. If you don't have a good vise and a hydraulic press I would not recommend trying it. I have done several regular u-joint replacements and even shorten a drive shaft before. It took about 4 hours. Of course the first one was the most difficult.

First I used the press and pressed out the first joint. I did not do any grinding on the stakes, just pushed the cap through them. Then I took the top of the cap an put it in a vise. Used a brass hammer so of to damage anything and hit up on the drive shaft to remove the cap from the yolk. This took several tries and was frustrating at best. The hardest part was you couldn't press the joint far enough past the shoulder of the joint would hit on the inside of the shaft or yolk. This would not push the cap out very far to get a grip on it. Once I got one side out I ground down the shoulder of the old joint. This would allow you the ability to press the cap out further.

Reassembly is the easiest part. I used a socket one pushed one side in with the press. Put in the retaining clip and pushed the other cap down to the retaining ring. Then pushed it back the other way to free up the joint. Do this 3 more times and now I have a new drive shaft. Note: you have to make sure non of the needle bearings fall out as you install the caps. Also make sure you start it in straight or it will bind in the hole.

Hope this helps someone that is thinking about doing it!

cheseroo

iTrader: (2)

Thanks for posting this. That part # appears to be for a Miata which makes sense. While doing some trans work, I noticed one of the u-joints was a little bit loose. I looked up the u-joints on Rock Auto and added them to an order I already had going. While waiting for the parts to arrive, I used a die grinder to remove the stakes and took the joint/yoke apart. I then found the Rock Auto u-joint caps were too big to fit in the yokes. I then looked again for u-joints and found that you had to get a whole new driveshaft. What fricken idiot decided that a non-serviceable driveshaft was a good idea? So I came on here, searched on "u-joint" and found this post. Anyway, I ordered up the u joints today and we'll see how it works out. Since I already ground out the stakes I'm planning on putting some grease on the cap ends and then putting a few tack welds on the yoke. I'm thinking the grease will keep the weld from sticking to the cap and the weld lumps will stick to the yoke holding the caps in. Then maybe some poor sap 15 years from now won't be hosed if they try to replace these things again.

Thanks for the help.

mgarlock

iTrader: (1)

I would see how it fits before I put any welds back on. It is a pressure fit and teh clips keep it from going anywhere. Good luck and when you get frustrated, just take a few minute break. It really helps.

BrettLinton7

iTrader: (33)

Cumming, GA... do I know you? I'm in Dahlonega but am originally from Cumming.

I've been contemplating doing this on my spare drive shaft for some time now but the thought of working on something that is going to be spinning so fast scares me.