Hi all,

I had a little sqeel at 10-30 mph, but still had a small vibration. Was able to get it home and found one of the u-joints was bad (the side that has two).

I removed the u-joints and the centering ball had some small needle bearings in it. I also think a spring came out but not sure.

Does anyone know if I got all the parts from the centering ball area? If so, where does this spring go? Needle bearings go around the small shaft I am assuming. Pic below.

 

Here you can see the old failing u-joint and the replacements that have zircs. I will get it balanced at the local driveshaft place once re-assembled.

 

This is on my list of upgrades to do on my 2004 Disco. Can you tell us what your total cost was to do this? Hopefully its a cheaper alternative then buying one from big dollar stores.

 

The spring just goes in the center of the ball thing. Needle bearings go around the side.

The conventional wisdom is to pull the center cup and replace (there's a Moog part, though I don't have the number, do a search). When I tried to do it on mine, however, it didn't work because it had fused to the metal housing over time. A machine shop couldn't even extract it.

For that reason I'd suggest just regreasing it and reassembling is probably sufficient.

I doubt your rebuilt shaft will be significantly out of balance unless it's lost some of its weights. Might as well have it balanced if it's cheap, though.

 

Thanks guys for the replies. Gonna pick up the CV ball seat today. I'll keep it unopened until I make sure I can remove the old one. If I can't, I'll follow your advice on the spring and bearing locations.

So far in cost:

$25 for the 2 u-joints.

$45 for the center ball kit (Precision 617)

I bought a new grease gun, grease and needle but I'll keep that cost out as I can use this on my other cars.

 

Ok, finally completed the project yesterday. Worked on it almost all day. Yes, the Cardone is a serious pain to get right. I bought a couple types of bearing pullers from Harbor Freight, neither were small enough to remove the bearing race. I ended up using a cutting off the ball. Made small cuts on the top of the race and using a chisel, slowly bashing it apart. Not pretty but it worked. Pressed in the new centering joint.

I tried a few ways. I tried to assemble without the caps to get the centering joint lined up without dropping bearings. You have to deal with that small spring that wants to push it out. I started to put the u-joint caps on, when it pushed out and you could feel the bearings not lined up. Ughhhh.

Anyways, in the end, I assembled the u-joints on the flange and the axle sides. Assembled the axle to the cardone. Got the centering ball to line up and you need to keep pressure on it to keep it from popping out, which trying to get the u-joint installed.

If you didn't mark the spline side, it only fits in ONE WAY. Also, remove the small allen insert on the driveshaft as this will allow air to pass thru while slipping the front flange on the splined axle. Make sure to put the allen insert back when done. I need to go back and install a zirc and put more grease on the grease on the splines. Was able to grease the rear driveshaft, but need to add more grease to the rear axle u-joint as it was not in a good position.

Took the Disco on a test ride, zero vibrations. Drivetrain felt very solid.

Job took 3 new u-joints and 1 new centering joint. In the end, I hope I NEVER have to do this again!

 

2 Moog u-joints $30

1 PDQ u-joint $13

grease $5

Grease gun $12

Precision centering joint $45

total cost, less taxes $105

 

Thank you for sharing this information.

This is next up on my to do list for my Disco.

 

Nice write up and pictorial. After 39 years in the mechanic trade, two things I hate doing are CV joints and u-joint replacement. There just two jobs that you know you can't rush...and your going to be dealing with grease.

Good job.

Brian.

 

I'm still on my original drive shaft on my 03 with 129k, thinking of upgrading. Do you recommend a rebuild, or get one from lucky8? They have a code for forum members $188 with free shipping.

http://www.lucky8llc.com/collections/front-driveshaft-2/products/front-driveshaft-6