Hi all,

I read some posts saying that the second gen factory stack-in u-joints can be replaced. I wonder if anyone in Ottawa know where to take the RX7 for u-joint replacement? And where I can buy the U-joints in Ottawa if I want to DIY? Thanks.

 

What year RX-7.. i have a 2nd gen N/A driveshaft you can have for $30

Let me know

 

RXciting,

Mine is 90 N/A with auto transmission. Is your driveshaft for auto tranny? Auto tranny has shorter shaft length.

 

no it's for a standard, but i have a full N/A drivetrain if you wanna swap to standard

 

I'd like to know too. We supposedly have 'non replaceable u-joints'
I was planning on just taking my DS to Mr. Transmission, and see if they can do it.

 

Thanks. I think I pass on this one

 

i saw a thread some where that had replacement bearings for the DS. it intructiosn that came with the bearing said replacement of NON replaceable ujoints.

 

They can be replaced, but getting the old ones out is a huge PITA and not worth it compared to the cost/ease of buying a used d/s. Replacing the u-joints is for hardcore ******** only.

 

You can also have probably most any driveline shop make you a new shaft. I had London Driveline make me a shaft several years ago. They used Dodge truck U-joints, and thick walled tubing. Cost about $300, and they said it will never break.

 

^Nice. Cheaper than Mazda I'd guess

 

i know Mazdatrix sells aftermarket driveshafts with an easily replaceable u joint...i think it's under $300 also.

 

Phone mazdee's. He replaced the u-joint in my stock driveshaft for way cheaper then $300.00 IIRC. But then again, if you are going for bling. :meh:

 

Thank you everyone for the inputs.

CT has the Rockford u-joint for RX7.

Called Rockford driveline, they said CT carries their parts. And I called CT at HUNT CLUB & MERIVALE RD in Ottawa. They have the stock idex for the Rockford U-Joint for 2nd gen RX7 (part # 430-10A); they don't have it in stock, take 2-3 days for the order to come in, and it cost $42.99/each.

 

Awsome, Well either way good luck with fixing it up and welcome to the club. Try making some meets this summer.. there will be plenty to come

 

For those who want to pursue this further, I contacted the Rockford for U-joint replacement instruction, they sent me a copy which I think is a valuable source for anyone who wants to order the part and DIY.

I have not replaced the u-joint myself, so I don't think I can answer questions related to this. However, I have asked Rockford about what come with the part, they said the part come with everyting I would need for DIY in which I believe would be bearing caps, c-clips, and the instruction.

 

Thanks, I will try to attend some of the meet up.

 

That is good ****. I will definitely look into that for my TII. They probably have the same for FB's as well.

 

You can go to Malmberg Drivetrain on Michael St. They will convert your shaft into one with replaceable U-joints. They also do balancing. However, the price may lead you towards finding a good used driveshaft.

 

A friend of mine works at Malmberg (the truck shop, not the driveline shop). I just put in a request to him to see if we can get some favourable pricing for RX7 Club members. He works with the owner, so we'll see what happens. The owner tends to be a little tight with money, so I don't know the chances, but nothing lost by asking...

 

Except maybe is job!!

 

http://www.euro-drive.com/U-Joints.htm

its in Burlington Ontario, was under $40 too

 

eViLRotor: I belive FB uses the same part (430-10A).

slorimer & Whanrow: good to know that there is drivetrain shop in Ottawa do the driveshaft.

Damien: I phoned Euro. They are not selling that cheap anymore, but thank for the lead.

I just bought the u-joint from PartSource. They have it in stock. they are 42.99/each. Today, I am going to take it to the shop to change it!

 

It is long day for me. Got a new pair of U-joints and was excited about getting them replaced. It turned out that getting the old U-joint off the driveshaft was a huge task. I had to take the whole shaft to a drivetrain shop to have someone to punch the old u-joints out. This was not the end of the story.

After the old joints out, and tried to put the new one in. I realized that the new Rockford Ujoint did not fit well. Spent few hours in a shop, and just could not get them in properly. Even though we managed to get them in, it would be out of balance. So I quitted. And now I am looking for a used driveshaft for replacement.. Anyone have a good 2nd gen N/A auto driveshaft?

 

Thanks for that update. Guess it was too good to be true...

 

I spoke to my friend who works at Malmberg, and he spoke to the guys in the driveline shop. Not good news I'm afraid.

They recomend against, and discourage the replacement of RX7 non-replaceable u-joints. They say it CAN be done without problem, and they re-balance the driveshaft. Where the problem comes in, is that without fail, you are left with some degree of vibration as an overall result.

They have tried rebalancing driveshafts many times over with the same end complaint. Even though it balances out correctly, for some reason they don't understand there is always some degree of vibration left.

Their final recomendation is not to seek replacement, but to pop for a new driveshaft. They consider replacement of the u-joints a "quick fix" the usually has unsatisfactory results.