U Joint Problem Diagnosis

[B_man_Al]

Anyone with a good method of diagnosing a U joint fault on a model B? I suspect the U joint based on what I think is excessive vibration at higher speeds (above 35 -40 MPH) . The car has 70k miles, and I think its still the original.

Al

[David J]

Try driving at 45 and gently work the gas pedal between accelerate and coast . If it is the u-joint the transition from power to coast and back should make the vibration and or noise change . MANY u-joints are shot due to improper lube or no lube at all .

[G.M.]

Try putting a full tube of low melt chassis grease in the U joint. I have heard them like you described and work good with no noise or problems for years latter. It's worth a try. G.M.

[El Rat]

I took a clamshell and added a zerk fitting to the bottom. Filled it until it came out the top "fitting hole" and then plugged the hole with a pipe plug.g

[Clem Clement]

Use Cornhead grease and see if this quiets the uni. It did mine.

[DICK SPADARO]

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If you think there is a defect in the U joint the simplest thing to do is just get under the car and remove the Torque ball cover. If it is dry when you remove it and no lube runs out its a pretty good bet that you toasted the U-joint or the upper roller driveshaft bearing.. Placing the frame on jackstands to support the vehicle and Unbolting the cap will give you enough room to carefully slide the rear axle rearward about 1" and you can check for any metal filings or silver metallic looking grease that would indicate that the u-joint or front bearing failed. If you see that you know something is toasted.

In any case just squirting some more lube in the hole wont make the problem go away so before you really break down with a siezed upper driveshaft bearing you are going to have to spend a little time trouble shooting.