Replacing front propshaft Universal Joint???

[mike_ie]

I originally posted this as part of a longer thread in "Projects & Tutorials", but realised that it might get more attention on its own, out here. Seeing as I'm in a bit of a pinch, I hope the moderators don't mind the double posting... The Defender in question is a '96 300tdi model.

I suppose I should let people know where I am right now. After a month and a bit in Tasmania, I came back to Adelaide via the Great Ocean Road (beautiful place), and started making my way up the centre of Australia. I have to say, I've fallen in love with the red centre, particularly the Northern Territory. After quite a while meandering up the Oodnadata track, up to Uluru, The Olgas, Kings Canyon and so on, I arrived in sweltering Darwin yesterday. I'll be easy to spot if any of you live here - I'm the Irish Mick that's wandering the streets, dripping in sweat.

Has anything gone wrong so far? Sure, but overall, nothing too serious. One of the guide pulleys for the aircon crapped its bearings outside of Glen Helen, taking the aircon and fanbelt with it. Suttons kindly supplied me with a fanbelt, but the serpentine guide pully is chipped (from a previous encounter with something hard it seems), and I'm reluctant to put it back on lest it shreads the belt again. So I'm in Darwin... with no aircon....

Also found yesterday that one of the universal joints (transfer case side) in the front propshaft is knackered. I've taken out the propshaft completely, but I need some information:

1. Can the UJ be replaced on it's own, or do I need to replace the entire shaft? The UJ looks like it can be popped out, but need to know for sure.

2. seeing as I'm now driving on the rear wheels only, I obviously have the diff lock engaged? Will I cause any damage to anything if I'm just driving the rear wheels??

3. Where can I get a replacement universal joint for the propshaft, if it can be replaced? More importantly, how much is it going to cost me? Or better still, does anyone have one sitting in the shed? Funds aren't great, but if anyone has one at a reasonable price, I'd gratefully take it off their hands. Or an aircon pulley for that matter.

Not to sound like a phone in radio show here, but seeing as internet is sporadic, if anyone can answer my questions, a text to 043 363 1109 would be greatly appreciated.

Finally, this trip has always been about meeting people. So in the spirit of that, if anyone wants to see a mud encrusted Defender with a few toys added, drop me a text at the above number. My route is taking me from Darwin down to Katherine, across to Cairns, up the old Telegraph Trail and back down, then down the east coast. There's always a beer or three in the esky

[Blknight.aus]

yep

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/projects-t...pic-heavy.html

[Xtreme]

Phoned Mike tonight - see other post at http://www.aulro.com/afvb/projects-t...-au-ie-19.html

He would probably appreciate meeting some Darwin based forumites and maybe trade a few beers for some garage space though

[Blknight.aus]

missed half the questions sorry.

you can get them from repco tell them the model and the year and you should be apples

they should cost less than $50 a pair and you should replace both ends at the same time.

Be sure to mark out all of the flanges and alignments PRIOR to dismantling them.

Extended driving without a shaft in can accelerate the wear on the center diff, but if you drive it gently its a minimal risk thing.

[cewilson]

I tried to give Mike a call with no luck.

But if anyone speaks to him - tell him to take the uni-joint to any automotive store. If it's the same as my 200tDi then the uni-joint is the EXACT same as an older Ford Falcon one - which everyone stocks. It'll get him out of trouble easily enough.

[Xtreme]

I just spoke to Mike again and he asked me to pass on his thanks and appreciation to all forumites who either replied with advise via text messages of via the forum posts.

He was able to obtain parts and repair both the front propshaft and the air con pulley so is now once again fully functional and about to head off towards Litchfield NP.

[Squatdog]

When i was in darwin few months ago i needed a rear uni , i went to repco an they said it was goen to cost 120 buks so beware of ppl trying to rip u off i ended up driving back to victoria an gettin one for 30 still yet to change it thou it ,doesnt vibrate with a load on haha

[mike_ie]

Rather than post the same thing in multiple forums, a more detailed response can be found here: http://www.aulro.com/afvb/projects-t...ml#post1346106

But to sum it up, all fixed, thanks to everyone here, and the help is much appreciated.

[p38arover]

This appears to be a good tutorial on replacement of universal joints - the link was posted on the RRNET forum tonight.

It also covers the double cardan joint.

Bookmark it: www.discovery2.co.uk / Workshop :- front and Rear propshaft