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Drive Shaft Balance

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guzzul

guzzul

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I need to replace the drive shaft (prop shaft) on my '78 Spitfire. I have another unit, but its used and I'm not sure whether it will be balanced properly. Is there any way to test it other than installing and trying it? Once on the car, is here a preferred method of checking/correcting the balance if it proves to be out?
 
Without wishing to be facetious, try a driveshaft place.

Ones round here (Downstate NY/CT) charge about $50-75 to rebalance a driveshaft. Save yourself a bunch of grief, and have one check it out.
 
Balance can be regained using two large hose clamps and using the trial and error method of adjustment to move the clamps around the shaft until it is in balance. It is a hard slog. If you can have the shaft balenced while it is out of the car, do it!
 
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Balance can be regained using two large hose clamps and using the trial and error method of adjustment to move the clamps around the shaft until it is in balance. It is a hard slog. If you can have the shaft balenced while it is out of the car, do it!

[/ QUOTE ]
Carlos is absolutley right, especially about the hard slog.

The shaft could be out of balance on one end, both ends, the middle, one end and the middle, between one end and the middle.....

You need someone that knows what to do.
 
A lot of truck repair shops can balance any driveshaft, too. Sometimes they are cheaper.

Mark the yoke position (might already be alignment marks on it and the driveshaft... there are a pair of small arrows on my TR4's)

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Thanks to all - I will look for a truck shop here.

I have heard of the 'hose clamp' approach, but it does seem like a lot of trial and error. I wasn't sure if there was another way to do it. I guess not.
 
Why go looking for trouble? Do you have any reason to believe the "new" d'shaft is out of balance? I had a Ford shaft shortened 24 inches and when rebalanced (just to be sure) it needed a dime size washed added! My suggestion- use as is. Bob
 
I currently have my TR6 driveshaft out and am replacing the u-joints and plan to get it balanced when done just to be safe because I did have a slight vibration at ~45 mph that I have not been able to isolate. Is there anything else I should do to the shaft while it is out? There is nothing in the manual or parts sheets about the extension joint itself nor any maintenance requirements regarding greasing or anything. My joint moves smoothly though a bit stiffly which is probably normal because this doesn't really move once installed.

Thoughts?

Ken
 
No, I have no reason to think the new-used one is out of whack. But I'm going to install a new u-joint, clean it up and P-O-R it, so who knows....

I don't want to go throught the potential hassle of having to take it all down again once its installed, so I expect a $50-75 insurance policy is wise. I got a pretty good deal on the d-shaft so I'm still in good shape.
 
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