Front Prop Shaft Disco2... how do you tell

[wardy1]

I've read and heard horror stories about the double cardin joint (I think thats what its called :? giving way and the ensuing damage.
How do you know there is a problem (vibration etc)?
Is there a certain number of K's after which you should just replace it?
Is it better to replace it with a greasable unit or just put in a new one?
Thanks guys... I know this will bring in heaps of answers and they'll all be read with interest by me and many others https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

[stevo]

Hi Wardy I replaced mine at around 70 000 km fit greasable uni's as these will last a lot longer.

Now to find out if they are stuffed lie underneath (handbrake on) grab the shaft and try and rotate it back and forward looking closely at the uni joints,should be no movement (mine had lost the needle rollers from one cup)between the cross shaft and cups,try and move the drive shaft up and down and from side to side again there should be no movement.

Buy the uni's from a drive shaft shop series 1 disco's have a slightly smaller uni, do not go to the main stealer as they will only sell the whole drive shaft $600 dollars,you will need a drink after doing this job :twisted:

[Tusker]

I think the consensus is to stop & inspect at the first hint of any vibration. Don't ignore it.

Slunnie's away at the moment, but he thinks the problem is dust getting into the CV. I also suspect its lifting the car that shortens the life. Spoke with one D2 owner last week with 200,000 kms up, still on the original shaft. No problems.

Slunnie, Andy & I have just gone thirds in a spare shaft for long trips.

But help is on its way. Hardy Spicer are supposed to be trialling a heavier duty version. Mike are you listening, whats the latest?

Regards
Max P

[stevo]

I never had a vibration with mine just a clicking noise at low speed when
turning it took a while to track it to the drive shaft

[MickG]

Originally posted by stevo
I never had a vibration with mine just a clicking noise at low speed when
turning it took a while to track it to the drive shaft

Same as mine with a squeek as well.....replaced with greasabel unis straight away. Much better and much tougher.

Aye, Mick

[one_iota]

Same applies regardless of make.

I had the front driveshaft replaced due to worn splines at 120,000 km. After about 500km only and after a vigorous off road trip to Bendethra the disco was vibrating at low revs under deacceleration load. As it turned out the front uni finally gave up at 150,000. Uni replaced and no vibrations.