The Ford Barn

B_man_Al · 07-06-2013, 07:07 AM

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

B_man_Al · 07-06-2013, 07:08 AM

Should be "side to side" not "side top side"

Kurt in NJ · 07-06-2013, 08:11 AM

The driveshaft is supported by a bearing, the side to side play is needed to allow for slight differences in alighnment.

columbiA · 07-06-2013, 02:06 PM

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.

Christoph · 07-06-2013, 02:34 PM

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

columbiA · 07-06-2013, 09:56 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

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 !

Purdy Swoft · 07-06-2013, 10:42 PM

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.

07-06-2013, 07:07 AM	#1
B_man_Al Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Ottawa ON Canada Posts: 301	Model A , B U joints 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

07-06-2013, 07:08 AM	#2
B_man_Al Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Ottawa ON Canada Posts: 301	Re: Model A , B U joints Should be "side to side" not "side top side"

07-06-2013, 08:11 AM	#3
Kurt in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: on the Littlefield Posts: 6,159	Re: Model A , B U joints The driveshaft is supported by a bearing, the side to side play is needed to allow for slight differences in alighnment.

07-06-2013, 02:06 PM	#4
columbiA Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: B.C. Canada Posts: 1,746	Re: Model A , B U joints 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.

07-06-2013, 02:34 PM	#5
Christoph Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Frankfurt am Main in Germany Posts: 671	Re: Model A , B U joints 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 by Christoph; 07-06-2013 at 02:57 PM.

07-06-2013, 09:56 PM	#6
columbiA Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: B.C. Canada Posts: 1,746	Re: Model A , B U joints Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) 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 !

07-06-2013, 10:42 PM	#7
Purdy Swoft Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 8,099	Re: Model A , B U joints 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.