T3 Drive shafts

[tommin]

Now another question has been found to be solved I am getting quite good at posing a question, crap at answering them myself though

I have the vehicle back end jacked up with both wheels off the deck, ready to change that cracked oil sump. Anyhow while underneath, you know how it is, you start poking around checking this and that, you know how it goes. Well anyhow, whilst poking around, i checked out the rear drive shafts left and right, and found the left side to move quite loosely in and out, whilst the right had no movement. Now I have this sneaky inclination something is not right I just hope it is nothing I need to pour tears and sweat over....... is it Advice as usual treated in the strictest confidence and much appreciated.

[kevtherev]

Now which one do you think is not right?

[CovKid]

You can only really compare with both wheels off the ground.

[ghost123uk]

You can only really compare with both wheels off the ground.

I have the vehicle back end jacked up with both wheels off the deck,

They do and should both move in and out a bit (to allow for the movement caused by the suspension).

Try a bit harder to move the one that doesn't appear to move

[tommin]

ghost123uk that is music to these old ears I managed to get some movement on the right The left though seems to have more than twice free movement, which is now a little concern though not as bad as earlier thought thanks ghost123uk.

covkid
kevtherev

[CovKid]

I really wouldn't worry about the difference in play unless you're having problems such as clonking etc. The joints may well be more worn one side but could just be low on grease as well. Repack or replace.

[tommin]

Thanks Covkid, that truly allays my worries
I will do a repack both sides, probably never been done before.

[CovKid]

The looser side is no doubt dry as a bone. Filling them with grease again won't make up for wear/play but you may just get a few extra years out of them before they remind you they're past their youth. If you have to replace CV joints on one side, don't be tempted by cheap ones on ebay or unknown makes as they last six months at best (been there) and are not hardened enough. Made of cheese I think. The Lobro ones from GSF are fine though and reasonably priced.

That said, driveshafts are the dirtiest job you'll ever do on these.

[tommin]

All duly noted, once the -30C season has passed will do a replacement, as i feel this old girl deserves it, bodywork is in good condition so worth the few extra bucks me thinks. Thanks for the input.

[sarran1955]

Hello,

This might help:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meTNBph3rUU

Have fun..

Cordialement,

[kevtherev]

Brilliant video..thanks for sharing it.
inspired me to do mine!

[tommin]

Yep have to agree, that video is great, it will help me to better understand what i need to do, in a logical sequence, not my usual hadoc way of doing it
Thanks