U-Joint / Half Shaft Restoration Part 2: Corsa GT Project
U-Joint / Half Shaft Restoration Part 2: Corsa GT Project
This is Part Two. If you missed Part One here it is: viewtopic.php?f=55&t=2148
Now that the parts are clean, the fun part can get started. I am using Heavy Duty U-Joints with grease fittings. Grease fitting placement is important for 2 reasons. One, with these style U-Joints, the fitting is in a boss off to one side. You need to be able to get to the fitting when the shaft goes back into the car. Place the fitting to the inside or shaft side so that it will be accessible. Second, the grease fitting should be placed between the drive trunnion and the driven trunnion on each end of the half shaft according to tradition. The story goes that if placed properly, the drive forces will "compress" the grease fitting hole and this is a stronger position. If placed incorrectly, the drive forces pull the hole in opposing directions and create stress that could eventually cause a crack in the area. I will be sticking with tradition. Once again, my 7 year old son is assisting me and photographing our progress.
Now that the parts are clean, the fun part can get started. I am using Heavy Duty U-Joints with grease fittings. Grease fitting placement is important for 2 reasons. One, with these style U-Joints, the fitting is in a boss off to one side. You need to be able to get to the fitting when the shaft goes back into the car. Place the fitting to the inside or shaft side so that it will be accessible. Second, the grease fitting should be placed between the drive trunnion and the driven trunnion on each end of the half shaft according to tradition. The story goes that if placed properly, the drive forces will "compress" the grease fitting hole and this is a stronger position. If placed incorrectly, the drive forces pull the hole in opposing directions and create stress that could eventually cause a crack in the area. I will be sticking with tradition. Once again, my 7 year old son is assisting me and photographing our progress.
- Attachments
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- I like to prep the bare metal surface with a good silicone lube in order to get ready for the pressing operation. Remove a cap from a new U-Joint and press it about 1/4 of the way in to set it square. Place grease fitting accordingly (see further down in this post for a visual on how to do this). Note black dot on shaft.
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- Once the U-Joints are in, it is a good idea to set them into there perspective sockets. Take the shaft and insert into a yoke either on the car or a spare. GENTLY give it a rap to set the cap against the clip. Don't overdo it. Just a tap is fine. If a U-joint was binding a little, this will most likely loosen it up a touch.
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- Visual on DT and PT shafts with appropriate grease fitting locations. Note mark to ease installation. Set the shafts up in a mock up position before you start. Visualize forward rotation and place the grease fittings between the drive trunnion and the driven trunnion. Place your mark so you don't have to think to much about it while you are doing the actual press work.
Mike S.
65 Corsa 140 Ragtop
CORSA member
65 Corsa 140 Ragtop
CORSA member
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- Posts: 27
- Joined: Thu Feb 04, 2010 10:02 am
Re: U-Joint / Half Shaft Restoration Part 2: Corsa GT Project
awesome write up
Re: U-Joint / Half Shaft Restoration Part 2: Corsa GT Project
Great job! Many will appreciate the time you took to present this clearly. Great timing too as I'm getting ready to re-install the half-shafts back into the V8 tonight. Now I'm reminded to see if the past owner had the Zerks installed the correct way.
Dave W. from Gilbert, AZ
66 Corsa 140/4 Yenko Stinger Tribute
66 Corsa 140 Coupe w/factory A/C
65 Monza 4DR 140/PG w/factory A/C
65 Monza 4DR EJ20T/5
64 Greenbrier 110/PG, Standard 6-Door
66 Corsa 140/4 Yenko Stinger Tribute
66 Corsa 140 Coupe w/factory A/C
65 Monza 4DR 140/PG w/factory A/C
65 Monza 4DR EJ20T/5
64 Greenbrier 110/PG, Standard 6-Door
- Corvair.crazy
- Corvair of the Month
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Re: U-Joint / Half Shaft Restoration Part 2: Corsa GT Project
I am one of those who enjoyed the write up. That is great how to stuff that I am sure would of did wrong. Those axles are a lot healthier than on my EM.
Jon
CORSA member
1962 Spyder convert
1961 Rampside
CORSA member
1962 Spyder convert
1961 Rampside
Re: U-Joint / Half Shaft Restoration Part 2: Corsa GT Project
early axles are solid & late 1/2 shafts are hollow. ive seen a late shafts cut in 1/2 by a hanging heater hose wire. that wouldnt happen w/ a early axle.Corvair.crazy wrote:I am one of those who enjoyed the write up. That is great how to stuff that I am sure would of did wrong. Those axles are a lot healthier than on my EM.
-Scott V.
- bbodie52
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Re: U-Joint / Half Shaft Restoration Part 2: Corsa GT Project
Brad Bodie
Lake Chatuge, North Carolina
1966 Corvair Corsa Convertible
Lake Chatuge, North Carolina
1966 Corvair Corsa Convertible
Re: U-Joint / Half Shaft Restoration Part 2: Corsa GT Project
Appreciate this, thank you! And great job!