Drive Shaft Problem

[matthewb0051]

Went to visit my kid in Houston yesterday (almost wiped out a GT3 passing me on the right going well faster than traffic). His Land Rover was having a vibration at low speed.

I drove it about 50 to 75 feet and it was very obvious. Pretty sure it is the front drive shaft, which I had replaced about 2 years ago. Seems the sunroof drain is right above one joint and it has ruined the new shaft. The drain should have a nipple but this one is missing, which I'm thinking would have diverted the water elsewhere.

I grabbed it and that joint is very loose, able to move laterally by hand.

I seem to recall the new one being movable but stiff, taking force to change planes. Is my memory correct? Sort of like how a ball joint is stiff but can be moved.

Thoughts? He said it smoots out at speeds above 40 mph. God help me that he was still driving it. Lucky there isn't a hole in the trans.

Here are some photos.

[john70t]

New U-joint and drain line diversion?
Might also need balancing or pro examination.
2 years is not much operational time. It might be under warranty.

And tell the kid no more burnouts. What is this Cars-n-Coffee?

[Rusty Heap]

Willy Wonka would be envious of your Chocolate Factory.

[1990C4S]

If you can move it laterally then the bearings are shot.

[Arizona_928]

Yeah^^

On the XYZ. Only one coordinate direction should have play. E.g. the slipe yoke having play that corresponds to the natural movement of the powertrain....

Don't skimp on u joints. Want one with the Zerk fitting(greaseable) and brand name. I use spicer.

Use a ball joint clamp style tool.

BTW that water is washing out the grease.

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by Arizona_928

Yeah^^

On the XYZ. Only one coordinate direction should have play. E.g. the slipe yoke having play that corresponds to the natural movement of the powertrain....

Don't skimp on u joints. Want one with the Zerk fitting(greaseable) and brand name. I use spicer.

Use a ball joint clamp style tool.

BTW that water is washing out the grease.

Do they make a good synthetic grease for both U joints & Slip yokes? Just asking...

[Arizona_928]

Originally Posted by pwd72s

Do they make a good synthetic grease for both U joints & Slip yokes? Just asking...

I like red n tacky and the Lucas green grease.

[Scott Douglas]

Can't you just remove the shaft and drive in rear wheel drive only?

[Arizona_928]

Originally Posted by Scott Douglas

Can't you just remove the shaft and drive in rear wheel drive only?

Depends on the 4wd set up.

[unclebilly]

In that first photo, it looks like the one u-joint is not ventured in the yoke. Might be the photo tho.

Are there u joints on the other ends of the shaft?

[1990C4S]

Mark up the drawing with arrows to show where it's loose/sloppy....