<VV> What's squeaking?

[Frank DuVal]

The typical problem is you can only see two of the four cap and needle 
assemblies of each u-joint when you take the axle out. The other two are 
the pressed in ones and the only way to see those needles is to take the 
u-joint out of the axle. Then, why put old parts in when new u-joints 
are not too expensive. But, if the two inspectable caps are OK, and you 
feel no slop in the other two caps, then it is probably OK to drive on 
some more. Be especially watchful for the first sign of no grease, a 
clicky feel to the rotation of the cap. It should be a very smooth 
rotation. Clicky even without slop is time to replace.

There are several u-joints that fit the Corvair axle (early and late are 
the same). It has to do with the meatyness of the middle of the joint, 
grease fittings or not, etc. These are typical Chevrolet u-joints from 
the 60's. A common part number that appears is 513. Like the CarQuest 
u-joints I used last year, the number 513 was in their part number. The 
best FLAPS is the one that has been around since the 60's and has car 
people behind the counter. Even if their memory is as fuzzy as mine! .

Put the same u-joints on both ends of the axle, then it doesn't matter 
which end is which.

Frank DuVal

mhicks130 at cox.net wrote:

>So how do I check the u-joints to see if they're bad? They looked and felt fine to me.  Like I said tho, the grease in the cups (both ends) was very thin and there wasn't a lot of it but they were not "dry".  I'm getting no clunking (yet).  It seems like an easy enough fix to just replace them but I'd hate to do it if it wasn't necessary at all.  This axle is the one that had the brake lock up and really overheat about a year ago so it's not unrealistic to think the u-joint grease (and maybe wheel bearing grease) got hot too.  It was a year ago though and I haven't had any issues until this squeak showed up last week.  
>
>BTW, why does NAPA list an inner and outer u-joint (with different part numbers)??  Our vendors only show one for both ends.  Why don't I just get my u-joints from them?  I want to do this this weekend and I don't have any vendors in my town.
>
>mike
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>If I understand, you greased the u-joints,drove the car the squeaking went 
>away and then returned after a short drive. If that is correct, I would take the 
>axle out and inspect the u-joints. Actually, if I were going to drive the car 
>I would check them anyway. If they are bad the squeak will become a loud, 
>destructive noise when the u-joimt goes on the highway. 
>Bill Pierson 
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