rotoman2

Had a frozen u-joint on the 91 NA, so I removed the driveshaft. Both joints were stiff and one was completely frozen. The price on a new shaft is $500, thank you very much. So, with nothing to lose and $500 to save, I decided to see if a little penetrating oil would limber up the joint. On the inside of each universal the two parts rotate about each other making it possible to wick up some oil into the bearing. I cleaned the surface applied a few drops of light oil and moved the joint back and forth. I also let it sit several days to suck up more oil. Amazingly, it eventually freed up completely. I did the same to all the joints and both ends are now freed up completely. Don't know how long this will last, but now, whenever I'm underneath changing oil or something, I'm going to apply a couple drops of oil to each end of the U-joints. Can't hurt, and might prolong the joints.

misterstyx69

iTrader: (142)

It may last until the oil burns off ..then seize up again.
Penetrating oil is not a Lubricant.
You can take the driveshaft to a shop that can remove and replace the U joints with a Replaceable joint...It can be done.
(Mazda just doesn't want you to know that though,so you will spend 500 bucks getting another Stock one!)

rotoman2

Actually I ued like a 3-1 oil. I'll keep an eye on it and see how long this lasts. This car is a garage queen anyway. Only lite driving around town. I actually tried another shaft that had the u-joionts replaced. It wasn't rebalanced and made a lot of vibration. Whoever replaced the joints obviously didn't have the equipment to rebalance it.