Passed inspection, but blew a UJ

[sambalee]

I imported a spider a few months ago and have been working on it ever since.

It has to pass an inspection before it can be registered in the UK and it passed today ...

... but on the way home I did my first "high speed" run, about 60mph, and one of the universal joints gave out





Unfortunately it bashed around in the joint housing so I think this prop shaft is now toast.

I can get another for around $300 which I guess I'll just have to do.

Lee

[So Cal Mark]

it looks like the retaining clip came out and let the cup exit the yoke rather than the joint failing

[sambalee]

Yep, that's what I thought. Not something you routinely check I guess. Took it to the local prop shaft place and they cleaned it up. The bashed hole was still a snug for for the new bearings so it's all back together in less then 30 minutes

I'll be keeping my eye on these now.

Lee

[DieselSpider]

You really should check the universal joints for play and that the cir-clips are properly seated every time you grease the joints which should be at least annually.

With the majority of new cars being front wheel drive with CV joints most seem to have forgotten the basics about physically checking u-joints on a regular basis. You can't just check for a clinking sound when you shift from forward to reverse and call them good however many mechanics who don't know will do just that.

The one I really get a kick out of is the mechanic that checks a rear wheel drives drive shafts by driving in a tight circle not realizing that maneuver is for checking a front drives outer CV joint.