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| | | | Joined: Dec 2011 Posts: 133 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Dec 2011 Posts: 133 | I finally got my "49" 3100 finished and made numerous short trips to check everything out. At around 400 miles I developed a vibration which turned out to be the u-joint. I took the tube apart today and found one bushing retainer had broken in half. The other retainer had started to split where the bolt head touches the retainer. It appears that I possibly tightened the bolts to much causing this problem. Is it possible that is what happened? I did have the tabs installed that keep the bolts from turning but am wondering if I should just snug them down. As I recall when I installed the new u-joints that the bushing retainers really sucked down when the bolts were tightened.
If you never tell a lie, you never need to remember what you said.
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 | Bart, I think you will have to post a photo of the bushing retainer. Reproduction u-joint assemblies now have parts that are quite different from the original parts. This is the original style lock-clip. Here is one non-original style u-joint asssembly - I do not know if a lock-clip (retainer) is used with this style. | | | | | Joined: Dec 2011 Posts: 133 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Dec 2011 Posts: 133 | The link you show for the non-original u-joint assembly is what I had on the truck. The copper retainer bar is what broke. It split right next to the bolt hole where you see the indent for the bolt head. I also installed the lock clip you show. I am trying to figure out what would have made that break.
If you never tell a lie, you never need to remember what you said.
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 |
My guess is you over-tightened them?
Maybe someone will offer a suggestion on what amount of torque should be applied. To keep from having bad dreams, use some sort of loctite on the screws.
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2012 Posts: 506 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2012 Posts: 506 | Does the shop manual give a torque spec for those retainers? It lists torque specs for stuff you never would have thought would have one. It's worth a look.
Thanks
Larry
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2011 Posts: 133 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Dec 2011 Posts: 133 | My guess is that I over-tightened the bolts also. I did find a torque spec of 15lbs which I would have to guess at since a 3/8" wrench is needed to get at the bolts. I think I went a lot more then 15lbs. I am considering just getting the complete u-joint assembly from "The Filling Station" which includes both yokes. That would help eliminate my bad dreams about this going out many miles from home. Might be a waste of money since I see no problem with my existing yokes. The only thing I did notice was that the bushing fit into the transmission yoke is not a very close fit but the surface does not appear to be damaged. It will have to decide what to do with this. Two hundred extra may not seem like a lot if it saves a future breakdown.
If you never tell a lie, you never need to remember what you said.
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2011 Posts: 133 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Dec 2011 Posts: 133 | It seems that u-joints are hard to come by right now. Jim Carter told me 5 months to get one. I found a dealer that has an original style. They are a little different them what most parts stores have today. Any problem with these originals?
If you never tell a lie, you never need to remember what you said.
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 | I would prefer the original style and lock plates.
A lot of the replacement plates are to soft and mush out around the bolt.
See the USA in your vintage Chevrolet! My Blog | | | | | Joined: Dec 2011 Posts: 133 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Dec 2011 Posts: 133 | Thats what I needed to hear. Thanks
If you never tell a lie, you never need to remember what you said.
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2012 Posts: 1,747 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2012 Posts: 1,747 | So, where or who is a good source with the original type U-joint? I just might need one. Thanks in advance.
Steve
Steve H
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