Universal Joint quistion

[383MovingViolation]

Should there be any movement at all in the driveshaft rear universal joint when it's all tightened down ? I can feel movement, ever so slightly when I push up and down on the drive shaft. I took it apart, checked everything, cleaned it all up, lubed it and put it back together. It still has very slight movement. Nothing looked worn. I was detecting a slight vibration that I thought might be coming from the drive line. These are Spicer U-joints. Thanks for any advice.

 

[khryslerkid]

Do the cups have the "C" clips installed on the inside?

 

[Yatzee]

There can exist the slightest bit of movement if the rubber cups on the bearing caps are worn. The bearings in the cap are for radial thrust not axial and you need the slightest clearance between the spider shafts and the bottom of the cap. You usually can't feel this play when the caps are loaded with grease. There are actually situations where too much grease can be a bad thing and not allow roller or needle bearings to rotate. I'd disassemble the shaft and take it to a drive shop to check for trueness. They can bend slightly from torquing over time.

 

[383MovingViolation]

Do the cups have the "C" clips installed on the inside?
View attachment 626697

Yes, there are "C" clips.