Front axle ujoints

[garym]

Hello all!

How much resistance should the front axle ujoints have with wheels turned if axle spun by hand? Hubs unlocked.
Mine spin with little resistance with wheels straight, but have some resistance with wheels turned. I am trying to determine if they need to be replaced without disassembling. My wheels don't return to center and the ujoints are one of the last things to check.

Thanks in advance.

 

[csuengr]

Sounds like an alignment issue. The axle shafts should be harder to turn with the wheels turned. That is normal with single cardan joints.

Neet video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpnIh4T-Zig

 

[garym]

Sounds like an alignment issue. The axle shafts should be harder to turn with the wheels turned. That is normal with single cardan joints.

Neet video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpnIh4T-Zig

I guess professional alignment is the next step. I have measured caster, it is approx 5* and toe in is 1/8".

I did notice on the ps gear, the shaft that the pitman arm is mounted to has about 1/32" of play when turning the steering shaft back and forth by hand from underneath. I assume this is normal wear since it is not leaking ps fluid.

 

[csuengr]

The sector shaft, what your referring to, should have no play in it. Sounds like it may be time for a rebuild.

 

[garym]

That's not good. The steering mount bolts are rusted in. Have you heard of anyone drilling out the rusted bolts and using rivet nuts for new threads? I was looking at them on McMaster-Carr and it looks like a good option.
Anyhow, I will probably pick up a reman unit from Advance.

 

[73CJ]

I would have somebody who knows what they are doing drill out the broken bolts.

I would never use a rivet-nut in any safety related application. They can pull out. In pure shear or compression that's another story.

Not on your steering gear, please.

 

[garym]

I would have somebody who knows what they are doing drill out the broken bolts.

I would never use a rivet-nut in any safety related application. They can pull out. In pure shear or compression that's another story.

Not on your steering gear, please.

Thanks for the info... I have used rivet nuts for other things in the past. I will definitely look at other options.