Propshaft Repair
(from the “Vanman”)

During a diff change on one of the fleet, I noticed that the UJ’s had seen better days. They are certainly easy enough to change and covered in the Haynes manual. But when I actually looked in the book, their method was shall we say: yes it may work if the joints hadn’t been in the prop for the last forty years!!Any way mine had, and the circlips certainly were not coming out in a hurry either. The joint had started to self destruct and could have had disastrous consequences if not spotted in time.

Photograph No 1
Photograph No 2

Well I eventually managed to remove the circlips using plenty of WD40, a chisel screwdriver and a pair of circlips pliers.
Note – You should wear eye protection as the circlips can ping off without any warning.
You should also make marks on both the prop and the yoke so they go back exactly in the same position or you could upset the balance of the prop. The Haynes manual then shows a person holding the prop in mid air wacking it with a soft hammer and then hey presto it all comes apart.
Meanwhile back in the real world, you need a good strong vice or press, then using suitable sized tubes or impact sockets and WD40, you can press the old bearing cups out.

Photograph No 3
Photograph No 4

Somewhat had it I think!

Photograph No 5
Photograph No 6: Carefully press in the new cups

Replacing the new UJ is a reverse of the above, but you do need to be careful you don’t dislodge the needle rollers, otherwise you won’t be able to press home the bearing cups. Once you have one cup fully in refit the new circlip, then press home the second bearing cup. Making sure your marks are in alignment repeat the procedure for refitting the yoke back onto the prop. Arrows point to the centre dots I made to ensure everything went back how it came apart.

Photograph No 7

You can then repeat the procedure for the other end. I always fit these in pairs, as it is false economy not to.New Universal Joints are available from the Club Spares Dept, Part Number GT01

If you are not brave enough to tackle this, new propshafts are available from
www.105speed.com – 105speed – 01234 826827

Advice as always from me, The “Vanman” or the other tech advisors,
phone numbers in the Who’s Who at the front of the Club Magazine.

Article © Copyright 2009 – the “Vanman”

 

What the “Ford Professionals” Say

  Ford Anglia Workshop ManualIssued by Service Publications – Ford of Britain
Printed in January 1973OP 4602-A1 Extra: Universal Joint – One – Overhaul (Drive Shaft Removed)

The universal joint spider, bearings, oil seals and retainers are serviced as a kit. (See diagram below).

1. Extract each spider bearing snap ring and remove the bearing cups and rollers by gently tapping the yoke at each bearing.

2. Remove the spider and detach the oil seal and seal retainer from each spider journal.

3. To reassemble, fit new oil seals to the retainers and locate them on the shoulders of the spider journals with the oil seals outwards. Position the spider in the drive shaft yoke and assemble the needle rollers in each bearing cup. Pack the bearings with a multi-purpose lithium base grease, leaving an air space to allow for expansion of the grease when warm. Refit the bearings, tapping them squarely into place. Take care not to dislodge the needle rollers.
Note – Some driveshafts incorporate a lubricating nipple. In this case the joint may be assembled dry and then lubricated with a multi-purpose lithium base grease.

4. Similarly, refit the other half of the joint.

5. Refit the snap rings to each bearing.

 

 

Warning – The Health and Safety bit

Please note your health may be at risk if you do not take sensible safety precautions. Never work under an unsupported vehicle, do not take shortcuts. If you feel that the task is beyond your capabilities, then employ the services of a trained professional. The Ford Anglia 105E Owners Club nor the author cannot be held responsible for any accidents or injury arising from advice given on this webpage. Safety advice can be obtained from the RoSPA. The advice and opinions given are purely those of the author and not necessarily those of the Ford Anglia 105E Owners Club.