Everytime I turn on the car...either back it up in reverse or move forward... and then take off you will hear this loud *cringe* of some sort coming from either the middle or back of the car...

I am pretty sure it is, but want to make sure.

Is it out, bad... beginning to misbehave and break or? If it is.. then how can I tell when looking under the car? Where might it be located? ( I know stupid question...but I am not sure where) What should I look for in this case, incase it IS bad and needs fixing? If so, how long should I wait til it becomes worse before fixing it?

Also, my many questions....

If you do get it fixed.. can you just get the joint fixed or does it have to be the entire driveshaft?

 

When it comes to fixing it. I am the hook-up with U-joints.

$20 + shipping each

As for diagnosis: Does it make a squeaking noise in reverse when going very slow. Almost barely letting out the clutch?

Does the whole car kinda vibrate at around 60 or so?

If you are answering yes, then it sounds exactly like my car before I put in a new front U-joint.

 

Yes it squeaks (sorta) when going in reverse to move.. No.. it doesnt shake - normally that means the ball joint is out.

$20+ each? Hm.. PM or email me more details please

 

a speed sensitive vibration,look no further then u-joints.
and you have a low speed 'sound',,are maybe one of
the rear brakes hanging up ?? then theres wheel bearings,or even the 3rd member (pumkin),,could be
heat shields too...i'd say get the back end in the air and
take the car out of gear,then spin the wheels by hand
see if you can locate the noise..

 

u-joints are not replaceable in 2nd gens

 

If they are not replaceable then why and how did my brother get his replaced for $600? He got the entire driveshaft replaced too... but you can get it at like mazdatrix or something and they can just replace the u-joint for you....

I am just asking which will be better to do.. or should I wait, and see what else happens in the meantime while trying to figure out the problem?

EDIT: I know you cant just replace the u joint... but a machine shop can get a new one for you... instead of replacing the entire driveshaft.

 

a machine shop can replace the bearings, but i'd say look around at a auto wrecker to see if you can find one for cheaper first, machine shops can get rather expensive

 

The factory U-joints are not replaceable.You have to replace the the whole driveshaft.Mazdatrix sells aftermarket driveshafts that have replaceable U-joints.I would either get the aftermarket one or you could get a used one.I would think if it was the u-joint you would be getting some vibration.Mine would shudder just after clutch engagement and the start shaking at about 50mph and get worse until it eased up around 70.It was the front one on my car.

 

Dak is right. That is the exact diagnosis that I came to.

About the factory U-joints not being replaceable, wrong!

I found them and rebuilt my own driveshaft on my 88 SE. The front U-joint seized up and made driving a little less fun.

I rebuilt my own driveshaft and had a post a while back about finding them. WonkoTheSane sent a MO in mail to me and as soon as I receive it, I will be sending him a new pair of U-joints. Then, I am sure he will vouch for me that I did the impossible and found what everyone seems to believe is unfindable.

 

Part numbers and a rough guide to replacing a U-joint

 

Good question, why and how did he pay $600 for a driveshaft?! Is it carbon-fiber or something?!

 

bob...
His shop down the highway in ATL, Ga. charged him $600 to replace the entire thing. I asked him about mine, and he says just take it to a mech. shop... you wont have to replace th e entire driveshaft. At his shop, one of the guys there can only replace the driveshaft along with the u joint...

Don't ask me. He didn't know at the time..but know knows.



EDIT: He just didnt do that, but it is a brand new draiveshaft... I think he probably did some other things, but for the most part...he told me not to get the entire driveshaft rebuilt.. if I dont need too. That there is a way to change the u joint..and I assume its been done by AudioFight.

 

That is true. I did it myself.

One update on my progress. I do have to pull the driveshaft back out and tack the caps in place more permanently.

They have slide outwards a little bit and the driveshaft has a little play now. By re-centering the U-joint and securing the caps, I can then make a small tack weld on the end of the caps to hold them.

DON'T HEAT THE CAPS UP TO WELD IT TO THE YOLK! This will result in breaking down the grease inside and make the U-joint wearout prematurely once again.

 

The u joints on 2nd gen RX's are pressed into place at the factory. It is however possible to have replacements installed. I just had my driveline balanced and new u joints installed for $128.00 and it even has grease fittings! Checkout Drivelines Northwest for the details.

http://www.drivelinesnw.com/

Good luck.

 

Wow...way to resurect a two yr old topic.

But, thanks for the link.
-a

 

lol thanks for the link!