Steering ujoint with zerk

[Linda]

Super, Michael. So the inner snap ring style works. Nice to have that ujoint done. Any difference in steering feel?
Linda

[guyatou]

Well, I've had the car about 13 years, and only driven it about 50 miles total! It's been a big project, and currently the engine is at the shop undergoing a complete rebuild. So, time will tell about how it drives.

I will say, the joint itself feels much more solid. The old one had noticeable slop when I had it out. The new one is much tighter. Seems to be well worth the replacement cost!

[greydog]

It's not a high speed or high wear item. I get that a little lube on a 40 year old part would be nice and maybe even help reduce steering effort a smidge.
Why not a needle oiler and Marvel Mystery oil or Tri Flow lube? The Tri Flow works great for squeaky hinges and other "non lube" joints. Doesn't neave a sticky residue.
Dan

[guyatou]

I just had him put in whatever he thought would be best. He's probably 70, so I'm sure he's seen it all by now! Not sure what he actually used. I'm sure it will last another 50 years without maintenance!

[devo]

Success! The local mechanic was able to make the U-Joint fit (It was a Precision 338 variant from Napa). Unfortunately, the supplied Zerk fitting was too big, and he had to replace it with a straight Zerk that will not allow greasing while it's attached to the steering shaft. I had him fill it with moly grease, I'm sure it will be fine for years to come.

The aftermarket U-Joint has clips that go on the inside of the yoke, rather than on the outside in the original style. The mechanic had to grind a bit off the inside edge of the yoke in order to get the clips in. Only cost me $20 to get it done!

I hope this helps someone down the line!


You can see the straight Zerk in the middle. It will be hard to get to, but not as tough as replacing the unit.


On the left, you can see where the inside of the yoke had to be ground down to accept the retaining clip.


Back in the car. I added a nut to the other side of the bolts after this was shot, just for safety.

This did help, thanks! It should also be in the Tech Wiki for early (worm) steering u-joint replacement. I did it today on my '66 using the moog/precision 338 u-joint. I had to take 2-3mm off between the yoke uprights, but everything went in as advertised! easy peasy. I used a cutoff 1/4-28 bolt to plug the zerk fitting hole since it is unusable anyhow.

[Mainer311]

Just wanted to add that I successfully replaced my early steering u-joint this weekend with the Moog 338. You can remove enough material from the inside of the yokes with a file.

The original u-joint was definitely bad!

[Linda]

This or something similar, might work for greasing?
http://m.ebay.com/itm/272527688893?_trk ... mwBanner=1

Linda

[Mainer311]

How is a needle supposed to go into a u-joint?

[brea]

When I replaced my ujoint last year I simply used a 90 degree zerk and it worked perfect without any issue.

[Mainer311]

When I replaced my ujoint last year I simply used a 90 degree zerk and it worked perfect without any issue.

The problem lies in the early style u-joint, which is completely different. There's really no need to grease it anyway. A new u-joint in that spot will last decades.

[AidanDawn2000]

When I replaced my ujoint last year I simply used a 90 degree zerk and it worked perfect without any issue.

The problem lies in the early style u-joint, which is completely different.

The early style seem easier because its so much bigger?

[Mainer311]

When I replaced my ujoint last year I simply used a 90 degree zerk and it worked perfect without any issue.

The problem lies in the early style u-joint, which is completely different.

The early style seem easier because its so much bigger?

The yokes are tighter around the u-joint. See guyatou's picture on the previous page.

[Linda]

I found the part I bought years ago, and remembered I had a spare yoke housing, so I have been inspired to complete the job At least the initial part......

IMG_20170207_201439564.jpg

Linda

[Linda]

Does anyone know the width between the early steering ujoint yokes after the grinding adjustment? I want to be sure there is adequate space for the clips before attempting to assemble.
The bolts are 5/16-24 in case you are replacing them.
Thx
Linda

[pebbles]

Does anyone know the width between the early steering ujoint yokes after the grinding adjustment? I want to be sure there is adequate space for the clips before attempting to assemble.
The bolts are 5/16-24 in case you are replacing them.
Thx
Linda

measure across the joint to the outside edge of the clip grooves with the cup seal ever so slightly compressed?