Broken universal joint

[wkilleffer]

Well, I was almost home, when the rear universal joint broke on one of the busier streets near my house. AAA sent a tow truck within 20 minutes.

I'm thinking that since one is broken, that the second one can't be far behind. I've seen one of the catalogs with a set and all hardware, and am wondering if that's the way to go. Also, how challenging is the job of replacing the u-joints on MGB's? I have reasonable mechanical ability and do about all of my own car work.

The worst part of this is that I was *really* enjoying using the B as my daily driver. At least the motorcycle is available.

Thank you,

 

[tony barnhill]

Not a big deal...hardest part might be getting the driveshaft out...

 

[kennypinkerton]

Check the pricing for the set and individually - I've seen it better both ways (make sure you include all the parts that the "set" has when you do the individual math).

 

[tony barnhill]

Re: Broken universal joint *DELETED*

Post deleted by tony barnhill

 

[kennypinkerton]

Wrong thread tony! But I got it.

 

[wkilleffer]

I was beginning to think that Tony's rusty car must have really gotten to him.

Just out of curiousity, I checked the Advance auto parts site to see if they even knew of such things. To my surprise, their website had several choices, ranging from $8.99 to over $20. Various types of warranties were also represented. Now, none of the area stores had them in stock, but any of the ones that I would consider would be here in a business day.

Now, I know we're supposed to support small business parts vendors, but I'm curious about how these parts would stack up against a part from TRF or Moss. Since I've never done this job before, I don't know what is needed besides the part itself.

 

[DrEntropy]

Find a parts store that'll get you Spicer U-J's. They were actually the OEM. MGB U-J's are not "strange" sizes, so should be available redily. Check the local NAPA yet?

 

[wkilleffer]

[ QUOTE ]
Find a parts store that'll get you Spicer U-J's. They were actually the OEM. MGB U-J's are not "strange" sizes, so should be available redily. Check the local NAPA yet?

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks for the reminder. I'd forgotten all about NAPA. This si what happens when everything's behaving. I forget what to do when something goes wrong. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazyeyes.gif

 

[kennypinkerton]

While searching for a dizzy cap and rotor for my Alfa earlier tonight, Advance's site didn't show any in stock either at any store, so I called the closest one (had the guy oogling at the fact I had an Alfa on the road - he was really impressed saying "cool" and all that)... turns out they had "several" in stock. I told him I'd be in to get them in the morning.

Always pays to pick up a phone (one of the things I hate doing), and checking with the local guys. I figure because my Alfa uses Bosch dizzy parts, that they stock the same parts for VW guys.

 

[Keoke]

HI Wkilleffer, sometimes when the drive shaft fails under load the yokes on the shaft can get beatup a bit be sure and check them while you are waiting for the replacement Crosses.-Fwiw---Keoke

 

[kennypinkerton]

Oh, and something I learned from Tony... when it comes to bearings buy the best you can get!

 

[tony barnhill]

Absolutely, Kenny....go for the best bearings/u-joints you can afford.