Mk1 Outer Drive Shafts

[Alan Hart]

Hi Everyone

My joints are squeekin' !

Over the past few weeks I have noticed a rotational squeek as I go along ... my local garage diagnosed it as a worn UJ on the drivers side drive shaft.

Has anyone changed these on a Mk1 - I have read somewhere that this is not an easy job? Would it be easier to replace both drive shafts rather than try to repair?

Cheers

Alan

[redstag]

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Only difficult part is that the earlier cars originally had staked outer uj's which means you will probably need to take it to a specialist to replace the uj.

If you are lucky they may have been changed to later shafts with circlips making it a straightforward job.

When I checked my shafts I found the splines were worn so I upgraded to Rilsan shafts. I had to change the hubs as well because of the staked uj's.

Pete

[stustag]

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Hi Alan

I had mine done professionally on my MK1as the need to be balanced afterwards, it cost £65 to be done.

I removed and refitted the shafts to the car as it is dead simple and a mornings work.

Stuart

[Alan Hart]

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Hi

Mine are indeed are the early type of UJ. So, off to a specialist they have been sent ... I am having both sides done and balanced. Not sure if this is better than replacing / upgrading ... anyone got any thoughts on upgrading?

Cheers

Alan

[redstag]

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With the standard setup it's only worth upgrading if there is wear on the splines and/or you have problems with spline lock that isn't cured by re-greasing.

Decision was made for me because my splines were worn and I wasn't keen on exchanging them for someone else's 30+ year old shafts.

Pete

[Alan Hart]

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Hi

Just to update ... specialist used Mercedes Benz UJs on drive shafts ... not sure which model they originate from ... but pick the Stag up tomorrow, so will be able to judge!

Cheers

[Camo]

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You will have to give a verdict, cost, the name of the specialist and location !!!

please.....

Stuart

[Alan Hart]

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Hi

Picked Stag up and no more squeekin!

I had all UJs replaced - with Mercedes Benz UJs and staked in (I know how circlips work but not too familiar with staked in UJs I must say - apart from my garage mechanic shaking his head when he first discovered them!).

Cost - I had a few other bits done (rear lights and alternator checked out) - but looking at it looks to be around £250 'ish for disassembly, ship to machinists and their work plus refitting ... so I still have some originality and more robust UJs ...

Still waiting to find out which MB UJs used ...

Cheers

Alan