Quick u joint question

[The_Dealer]

when i got my b2 it come with the crappy cv driveshaft, but the p.o gave me a spare spicer u joint style. ive been getting some light vibes lately and i crawled under it to check it out. it has a little bit of play(maybe 1/16th") but on of the bearing caps is moving in the ear of the shaft. the clip is still in but when u shake it the cap moves and u can hear a clunk when u move the shaft side to side to where u can see the play. the ear doesnt seem to be cracked or anything. do i need a new u joint or is it something else?

thanks guys yall have been very helpful lately

 

[ThatGuy]

Needle bearings are toast. Replace the joint.

 

[The_Dealer]

good...i was thinking thats what it was, no noises or anything but just started vibing, and i havent done any offroading, and the cap definately hasnt been spinning in the ear. it aint no thing to replace a u joint, hell i can do it on the side of the road in about 10 min.(pretty sad aint it lol) just didnt want to have to get a new d/s...that cuts into my mod money

even though the bearing cap moves towards and away from the lock pin when i move it?

all of them ive come in contact with the bearing caps stayed still in the yoke and the main body of the u joint moved...i think?

hell i dunno i always didnt notice anything until they broke lol

 

[ThatGuy]

If the actual cap is moving then the ears on the driveshaft have egged out and you will need to replace the shaft.

 

[doorgunner]

If the actual cap is moving then the ears on the driveshaft have egged out and you will need to replace the shaft.

you could try just replacing the u-joints as a quick-fix-it might work for a while if you "ping" the ears with a pointed punch & hammer to make the new caps fit tighter....but like he said...the "ears" are wallowed out....the caps should stay still/not move at all!!

 

[The_Dealer]

new u joint fixed the problem. the new bearing caps went about halfway in really easy(like with my hand easy) into the t-case flange, but required a few good wacks and seated in there firmly, they are touching the retainer clips now. i believe someone put the wrong u joint in there or something. and the needle bearings were dust. took about 15 mins including removal of shaft, and comparing the two joints