U-joint Play

[ryanheacox]

Pulled the trans forward to check my U-joint while the engine is out and found that while there is very little rotational play there is quite a bit (at least to my mind, maybe 1/16") of vertical play. Just wondering if this is acceptable, never dealt with one of these before.

Also, will this fit the A? https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/rear-u-joint-gasket-set
Nothing else comes up when I search and I'd like to change the felts in the housing

 

[Bob C]

Here's the gaskets for the A. https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/universal-gasket-set


The yokes will slide quite a bit side to side on the cross.


Bob

 

[JBill]

I seem to recall that there's a little play in the seal on the driveshaft. Sort of like the rear axles. No? Wrong?

 

[100IH]

It's a feel thing. Hard to explain. If the x in the middle is standing up and your holding the joint in your hands, there will be a sliding movement- side to side in 2 directions. that's OK. If the ends of the cross are sloppy in the cups of the yolk or feels rough that is wear. Model As often have destroyed joints and never felt a thing for years, Also, the replacements have been an issue in the last few years and were unavailable for a while.

 

[Patrick L.]

Concerning only the joint, Axial play is normal, rotational play is not. It should also move move smoothly.

 

[Bob Bidonde]

If your U-Joint is an original riveted type (photo on the right), replace it with a Spicer type (photo on the left). The U-Joint is bolted to the transmission's output shaft, so there should be no fore-aft motion. The yoke in the Spicer type U-Joint should slide in its bearings.

 

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Aren't U-Joints AMAZING! Whoever invented them should get 3 GOLD STARS! And just think, MANY U-Joints are bolted to the rear end, with just 4 REALLY SMALL fine thread bolts!!! (Almost scarey!)
In past years it was common to dismantle & re-pack the cups with grease & then they got SMART & made them with a GREASE FITTING! It takes TALENT to take them apart & put them back together again!
Bill Amazedagain

 

[Patrick L.]

Aren't U-Joints AMAZING! Whoever invented them should get 3 GOLD STARS! And just think, MANY U-Joints are bolted to the rear end, with just 4 REALLY SMALL fine thread bolts!!! (Almost scarey!)
In past years it was common to dismantle & re-pack the cups with grease & then they got SMART & made them with a GREASE FITTING! It takes TALENT to take them apart & put them back together again!
Bill Amazedagain

I've repacked them for decades. Usually once is enough to last the life of the vehicle, well, most vehicles.

 

[ryanheacox]

Thanks everybody, exactly what I was hoping to hear. Looks like all I'm going to need is a gasket set.