While attempting to replace a universal joint on the front propeller shaft today, the Hookes Joint came apart. In trying to get it ready to put back together we found one of the needle bearings to be broken. Do the chain auto parts stores carry these little puppies? In the RAVE CD information it states that the Hookes Joint is sealed for life, but as soon as we got the faulty u-joint out the Hookes Joint came right apart.

What is the recommended solution to this? A replacement u-joint is fairly reasonably priced, but if I have to replace the entire propeller shaft to get the Hookes Joint then that is an entirely different animal.

Thanks,

 

No and no, just get a new u-joint, Neapco 1-0005 (my preference) or Precision 344.

 

Not familiar with the term of Hookes, are you referring to the u-joint or the centering ball?

 

Mike, "Hookes joint" is the term widely used in Europe for the twin UJ setup as the first known "working" version was produced by Robert Hooke in 1676, (hence the name)

A little history here for you....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_joint

 

Learned something new today, Thanks

 

So, is it okay to put it all back together with one of the needle bearings in the Hooke's Joint (double cardon, double u-joint, whatever you want to call it) missing, or do I need to find a replacement? Any helpful insights on putting this stuff back together that might save me hours of trouble?

Thanks,

 

I wouldn't run with one needle bearing missing.
Have you also replaced your centering ball?

 

No, I haven't gotten into that yet. What is involved with doing that? I haven't even seen that as a part anywhere. Probably wouldn't be a bad idea though.

 

Did you read my reply this morning?

Also,
Hooke's Joint = u-joint
Hooke's Joint /= Double Cardon

 

Neapco 7-0081NG or Precision 617, either brand works, is the part number for the centering ball kit.

The part is pressed in (1 inch socket fits perfectly for pressing).

Part is about $29 USD.