Replacing Center Support Bearing and U joints ?

[ChuckinNC]

Now that the drive shaft is out of the car, I think I will replace the center support bearing and U joints. Any advice from those that have done this before would be appreciated. What size is that 12 point nut that holds the front drive shaft on ? I know it is bigger than 22 mm. (1973 Tii for reference)

Also, what holds the U joints in place. I was looking for some snap rings, but I don't see any.

Thanks for all the help and support.

Chuck in NC

[Grover]

If you are referring to the bolt which holds the two sections of the drive shaft together, it is a 24mm wrench. My unmolested one doesn't fit in there and I've read that others have ground down the wrench to get it in there. As for what holds the u-joints in place, if it is original I don't think there are snap-rings on there, it's something much more challenging to remove (but for the life of me, I can't remember), I'm sure someone else will chime in. Assuming you disassemble the driveshaft, don't forget to mark how the two sections lined up before disconnecting since that is how they are balanced to work together.

[BillWilliams]

I removed mine with a liberal PB blaster soaking and an unmolested Craftsman wrench and a banging from a big hammer. In order to get the unmolested wrench in the opening, there was a certain way I had to rotate the knuckle to get it to fit. I did have the driveshaft off of the car.

Attached is a pic of how I pulled the bearing. I did not replace the u-joints so I can not help you there.

And yes, as mentioned, mark the two halfs of the driveshaft so you can reassemble in a ballanced condition.

[2002Targa]

I can't help you on the nut, both of my 76 driveshafts have a 19mm bolt holding them together.

For the U joints, they're crimped in there. if you look close, there will be a bunch of little dents holding it in tight. if it moves free and has no slop I wouldn't worry too much about it. Or you can take it to a driveshaft shop and have them machine it to accept standard u-joints..

TK