are these U.joint possible to exchange ?

[germanz]

O.K, next question

before I destroy my half-schafts, I would like to know if I can replace these one's. All the books say yes, but I don't know the history of swapping parts of my car.

Do I only have to pull out the cap above the bearing seat, to reach the spring ring ?

Thanks in advance

Rainer

[kmack]

You should be able to change out these u-joints just like the ones in the driveshaft. That being using a press to push the u-joints enough to get the caps out then, take the rest of the u-joint out. The caps should be a pressed fit. You might be able to use a fairly large vise, but a press will work easier and quicker.

Or just take your half-shafts to a driveshaft shop and get them to do it. It shouldn't take them more than an hour or two to get all four done.

[germanz]

Thanks kmack,

Can I use the standard Joints set (with rings) ?

If yes, how do I adjust the play ? Only with stop pressing in the rigth moment.

cheers

Rainer

[kmack]

It's been so long since I replaced u-joints in my car, I don't remeber if they had the rings or not. They look like the right ones, but I'm not 100% positive. Sorry...

[Gav240z]

This is a tough question because I have been told that after 75 you could not change the U joints infact you had to replace the entire shaft. This is in Australia BTW but GermanZ is yours a 280z? Do you know what year?

I have never seen the type you can't change out as the latest Z i have owned was a 75 260z.

The photo of the old ones you have provided is that of your car? If so they look like they are changable for sure.

To my knowledge they all have the circlips the changeable ones anyway and you will need to remove those by getting a thin metal shaft such as a screwdriver and pressing it againt it while tapping the clips off with a hammer of some sort.

Then you can press them out don't try hammering them out. As you will only damage the surrounding areas as I did. Take it to a shop for that and get them to press the new ones in. (Saves headaches).

However please double check your shafts first if the picture you have sent is not your car.

Perhaps also you can remove the shaft quite simple and provide a photo of the inside area so we can see the circlips.

Just to be safe.

[gramercyjam]

After removing the clips (the come off easily) you CAN hammer or tap the caps out (and back in) without damaging anything. Once you have the shafts out it probably takes about an hour. You need to use a bushing a little smaller in diameter than the caps to hammer on so you won't damage anything with a misplaced blow. An old worn out set of sockets are perfect for bushings. You can also find a cheap set of bearing bushings at harbor freight tools for a few bucks. The thing you need to watch out for is the rollers in the caps. They tend to want to lay down in the bottom of the cap if your not careful. You will know this has happened if you suddenly meet strong resistance when tapping the new cap back down. If this happens, remove the cap and put the roller back in position, make sure there is plenty of heavy grease to hold the rollers in place before proceeding.

[germanz]

Thanks for all you feedback.

@Gave 240Z

The foto is from my car, a 260z from 75(Build in 74, but I don't know if some one swapped the schaft before.

I expect, that the circlips is under the cap. Or did someone see a clip on the outside on a datsun shaft as well ?

I will order some and try.

Cheers Rainer

[Gav240z]

I'd say they should be ok.

Good thing is U joints are fairly cheap so you won't loose out on too much if they can't be swapped.