Model A , B U joints

B_man_Al

Senior Member
Are the U joints in these cars meant to have anything to prevent lateral play in them (side top side). I don't see any C clips in them like a modern joint. If not, what keeps them running true, without vibration.

Thanks
Al
 
The driveshaft is supported by a bearing, the side to side play is needed to allow for slight differences in alighnment.
 
If you use the late 31-48 U-joint they use the clips to hold thr hard steel bushings in place.If the original style A U joint is good,then no need to change it.As long as the U-joint hsg is packed with thinner winter grade standard chassis grease & the fitting given about10 pumps of grease every 1,000 miles,then the U-joint will outlast the owner even if he is young now.
 
Additional (to Kurts answer):

Bearings in the U joint have to be TIGHT .
If you hold the u-joint in your hands and you
can easily move it and it does noises while
you shake it, ITS GONE.
Rivetet (early version) are junk than,
later version is to be repaired.

I suggest to repair an original rather
than buy a complete new one....

If in doubt repair it, as its no fun to take
the axle out a 2nd time.
(bin there... done that...)

Have fun
Christoph

@ ericr
Thank you so much for your help
 
Last edited:
Hi Christoph,@*-early 31 U-joints are perfectly fine to use PROVIDED they are not worn.If kept well lubed with light chassis grease & given about 10 pumpps of grease every 1,000 miles,you wont live long enough to wear it out-garenteed !
 
I've still got some of the late style U joints that I have used since I was a boy and i'll be 67 this year. I've never bought a new one.
 
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