Drive shaft universal joint bear cap modification

[RestoreThemAll]

Have you ever had to shave off a little from the drive shaft universal joint bearing caps to make the spring clip fit in the slot? My heavens I’m getting worn down with badly made parts.

Dale

 

[Keoke]

No Dale and be sure and change supply houses.

 

[RestoreThemAll]

I'm using the top spares vendors recommended on the bcf. There just isn't any better place to go for parts.

My son calls it "the car that would not be restored." One weird problem after another. It will get restored, even if it fights me to the end. :highly_amused:

dale

 

[tld6008]

Just changed mine using permanently lubed U-joints. No problem but they supplied new circlips which seemed to be thinner... you could reduce the clip thickness if its not much

 

[RestoreThemAll]

I probably only need to take off .002 or so. I don't want to take any more than I have to. Taking that off the clips would be a better and easier idea. Thanks!

 

[glemon]

I have run into the same issue with the u joints I used on my old 100 and current Triumph, PITA.

 

[Keoke]

Just changed mine using permanently lubed U-joints. No problem but they supplied new circlips which seemed to be thinner... you could reduce the clip thickness if its not much

Please tell us what source you used

 

[vette]

My Healey u-joints went in without a problem. I do know what you mean. In the last 10 months I have pretty much done a complete mechanical restoration on my '70 Vette. I had the problem you speak of with the Vette's U-joints. I bought 3 U-joints to finally get one to go together. An yeh, its all poor quality manufacturing. And in almost every case of il fit I find that it is from China. Believe it or not, Mexico manufacture has been pretty good. But still if it is USA made it is still the best. I was also surprised to realize during this build that I had more trouble with poor aftermarket parts for the Vette than I did when I restored the Healey. Tim Studdard of Classic Motor Sports Magazine did an article titled, "Where Do Your Parts Come From". In it he complained of the poor quality of many of the aftermarket parts. He suggested that we always let the supplier know that we are dissatisfied when it happens. He also suggested to contact a trade group to let them know, but I can't remember the name of the Group. But I'm pretty sure it was centered around the vintage British car parts suppliers. Anyway I guess all we can do is complain loudly, know that we are not alone, and support the good guys if and when we can identify them. Dave.