A common topic, but probably not a common question--I did a brief search and I am hoping this hasn't been answered 100 times before:

I had my local shaft shop replace the front shaft with greaseable u-joints about 5000 miles ago, but for the life of me I can't remember if I had them replace the centering ball. How can I tell if the centering ball has been replaced? Do I need a torque wrench if I take the shaft off to re-tighten the bolts (please say yes--I really want to buy one!)

Also, can anyone please send me instructions on how to tear apart the shaft itself? It would be nice to have just for reference. If you have instructions let me know and I'll PM you my email address.

Thanks everyone,
Phillip

 

Did you see the link (below)in the "how to" section. I believe that it will be hard to tell without taking it apart and if you take it apart you will probably have to go back with new u joints.

https://landroverforums.com/forum/sh...ad.php?t=30781

 

Thanks, I was hoping that wasn't the case--nobody likes to spend extra money. At least it will be a good learning experience, I believe that I am mechanically inclined enough to do it myself, so I will probably have a "man day" with my friend and tear it down and rebuild it sometime in the next couple thousand miles.

 

Oh yeah, I bought the torque wrench anyway! I love tools. I suppose its justifiable enough that the RAVE specifies 35ft lbs, I mean, how else would I ever know how tight it was, right?

 

[QUOTE=phil29;202037]

"Also, can anyone please send me instructions on how to tear apart the shaft itself? It would be nice to have just for reference. If you have instructions let me know and I'll PM you my email address."


I've got a great pdf file write-up on rebuilding the front driveshaft if you need it. The centering ball was a royal pain in the kester for me, the machine shop had heat it up with a torch and still had a heck of a time with it.

Personally, I would take the shaft to a reputable drive line shop and hand them the parts. You will want someone to balance the shaft anyways....


Hope this helps, David

 

What does the receipt say for parts replaced?

 

No need to PM, two sets of instructions are linked to in this thread, also it contains several pointers that are commonly overlooked.
https://landroverforums.com/forum/sh...ad.php?t=29302

 

Yeah, the centering ball is a B**TCH, but a slide hammer got it out. BTW, watch those needle bearings, I had one fall across the bottom of the cup and I didn't notice. I think I invented a couple new swear words....

 

LOL...did you balance the shaft before you re-installed?

 

No, just marked it and reassembled with the marks matching. Worked out; been up to 80 w/o perceptible vibration.