Can't replace driveshaft u-joints?

[uniberp]

Since I removed the driveshaft anyhow in prep for doing the oil separator plate replacement, I checked the u-joints and found the rear one to be a little notchy. At my trusty local diesel driveshaft place they pointed out that the ujoint was swaged in, couldn't be replaced. Only option was to replace whole driveshaft. He said the joint was a little iffy.

 

If it were a moving suspended joint I would definitely want it replaced, but since it's static position, is it okay? I know from experience that MUCH vibration can be caused by driveshaft ujoints, considering hte high speed they spin. I would like to avoid removing the exhaust again, although it was a nice surprise how easy that was.

 

The front and carrier bearing seem fine.

 

Is the rear section of the driveshaft replaceable? I would still have to get the whole thing balanced. Any good sources?

 

(Ed. 99ForesterL Auto)

[ron917]

Rockford Driveline offers a solution. Not sure if it will work with your car, but they claim to support at least some Subarus. Your driveshaft shop may not be aware of them.

 

http://www.rockforddriveline.com/replacem.htm

 

No experience with Rockford's products, just something I filed away for when I need it.

[nipper]

Not a very good driveshaft shop then.

 

I had my 87GL driveshaft rebuilt. It too was staked in and un reabuildable. I found a good (and seems the only) driveshaft shop on Long Island. They were familiar with the problem, and replaced the staked U joints with ones from a ford ranger.

 

Look around more, ask around, even out of your area.

 

The other choice is to get a used driveshaft fomr a scrap yard.

 

 

nipper

[idosubaru]

i have the rockford u-joints in my XT6 driveshaft which is the same as your EA82. they require a bit of machining to install but do work. a machine shop will likely charge about $100 to install plus the cost of parts.

 

in the XT6 you can actually drop the driveshaft without removing the exhaust, gotta pry it a bit, but it'll come out. i believe the same is true of some..if not all, EA82's.

[uniberp]

Rockford Driveline offers a solution. Not sure if it will work with your car, but they claim to support at least some Subarus. Your driveshaft shop may not be aware of them.

 

http://www.rockforddriveline.com/replacem.htm

 

No experience with Rockford's products, just something I filed away for when I need it.

 

Thanks for the info.

 

I read those instructions and paused and the "quite a bit of force may be required". That much force might easily deform/weaken/crack such a small piece of cast iron as a subie yoke. Also, no part listed for a 99Forester/Impreza.

 

I would be concerned that the rough surface of the inside of the yoke may not be sufficient surface for the clip to seat solidly. Seems like it would need machining.

 

If I were to go the machining route, I'd mill outthe staking while the machine was set up, remove the caps for that side, then mill in a groove for a proper circlip, IF I could find a matching ujoint.

 

It will be replaced as is, and this info will be shelved for future ref.

 

Maybe I could soak the end in hot grease before reinstalling, or something.

 

Or find an aftermarket performance DS.

 

Thanks again.