Drive shaft U-joints on Alpha 1

[rvisokey]

1992 4.3L with Alpha 1<br /><br />I pulled the outdrive off today due to a 'knocking only while turning left or right' noise. My initial inspection shows no obvious wear and the coupling feels tight. The gimbel bearing seems to be in good conditions and spins smoothly with no play. <br /><br />Am I chasing a ghost or is there no sure-fire way to know if the u-joints are bad other than just to just replace them and go drive?<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[Don S]

Re: Drive shaft U-joints on Alpha 1

If your turns are hard over, the ujoints will be noisy just because of the angle. <br />Also, when turned hard over, lower rpm is requiered.<br />If the ujoints are grooved a little they may already need to be replaced. <br />The gimbal bearing usually makes more noise when trimmed up and down, ujoints make noise left and right........ as a rule of thumb.

 

[rvisokey]

Re: Drive shaft U-joints on Alpha 1

Turns are not that hard. Noise occurs when more than 1/3 of a turn to either side... even at just an idle. It makes a hard-'knock' (you can feel it in the wheel) sound. Trimming had no effect.<br /><br />After inspection, I just thought I would be able to see some slack or play in the u-joint but can't really feel anything. I guess the u-joints are an cheap enough to just replace but I would rather be sure.