In the process of removing my V-drive and had to remove the Walter tubular drive shaft to remove the toothed solid-steel drive shaft. Removing the drive shaft from the v-drive end of the tubular shaft was quite a challenge, but the combination of penetrant and patience eventually got it free without any damage. The tubular shaft has some significant rust, and needs to be refinished. While I'm doing this, I figure I should inspect/service the U-joints.
What do I need to know about the bearings in this joint? Should they be replaced/serviced? This joint in general, looks like a potential point of failure, although I haven't noticed any problems yet. The whole thing has a fine patina of rust and I would like to clean these parts up and repaint them. Given the rust on the joints, I'm worried about the condition of the bearings. Better to deal with it now than later. The bearings appear to be held in place by heavy spring clips. I would like some insight before I pull any of this apart.
Thanks
The ujoints on the shaft are standard automotive type. To remove them, remove the retaining clips and press out the ujoint with a press. Once you get the bearing cups off, inspect the needle rollers for damage. Usually you can tell if the ujoint is bad without pressing it out as it will feel loose or gritty when moving it around with your fingers.
My driveshaft is custom made (not by Walter) and my U joint is a standard automotive 1310 series. I don't know what is in the drive shaft supplied by Walter. But if someone can measure the outside width of the caps we can determine what you have.
If the dimension of the caps is 3.219" (inside distance between adjacent snap ring grooves) you have a series 1310. If that dimension is 2.435" you have a series 1210.
Here's the Spicer part numbers: 1210 Series U joint is 5-444X and the 1310 Series u joint is 5-153X.
The x specifies greaseable which is what you want. They give you a screw in grease fitting and new Zerks. These things cost about $20 at any auto parts store. You may need to shop around for the Spicer Brand. No sense putting an old one back in at that price.
The u joints in Walter V Drive are much smaller 1000 Series parts. Spicer 5-103x. These are greaseable but you leave the grease fitting off. Plus you must pull the seals on the caps prior to installation because they ride in the oil bath of the V-drive.
Pete
That's super helpful. Thank you.