steering universal joint

[RobertH]

The engine is out of my 1970 240Z and I noticed the steering universal joint has a small amount of wear. I would like to replace it but cannot find any one who has one. The manufacturer is Torrington and the part number is NSA0240A. I called the Torrington rep who said these UV joints are only sold in Japan. NISSAN does not sell them anymore. can anyone help??

Thanks

RobertH

Florida

[240ZX]

As I remember, the tappered mounting holes, in the steering knuckles, for the original ball joints are smaller than on later model Z's and the older balljoint are no longer available. You will have to go with the currently available balljoints that have a larger tappered mounting stud. The fix is either to enlarge the tappered mounting hole in the old steering knuckles (less expensive but time consuming to enlarge and less accurite) or purchase a pair of the late model steering knuckles that fit the currently available balljoints. I went through this exercise and decided that since I was going to replace the old steering knuckles with the newer steering knuckles, why not purchase the quicker steering, steering knuckles (available from MSA). This way I got the larger mounting holes to accept the available balljoints and also have a Z that required less steering input. It's a win win situation!

[ChrisA]

As I remember, the tappered mounting holes, in the steering knuckles, for the original ball joints are smaller than on later model Z's and the older balljoint are no longer available. You will have to go with the currently available balljoints that have a larger tappered mounting stud. The fix is either to enlarge the tappered mounting hole in the old steering knuckles (less expensive but time consuming to enlarge and less accurite) or purchase a pair of the late model steering knuckles that fit the currently available balljoints. I went through this exercise and decided that since I was going to replace the old steering knuckles with the newer steering knuckles, why not purchase the quicker steering, steering knuckles (available from MSA). This way I got the larger mounting holes to accept the available balljoints and also have a Z that required less steering input. It's a win win situation!

I think he means the universal joint in the steering shaft from firewall to steering rack. Not ball joints.

And to RobertH, I'm not sure of your solution. I have had some success with ujoints at a local place that does driveline service and works on agricultural driveshafts. Good luck.

Chris

[26th-Z]

I have the same problem but have not reached that point yet. I plan to take the steering shaft to a machine shop and get a replacement U-Joint. Thanks for the lead on the mfgr and part #. I'll let you know what I find.

Chris

[RobertH]

Hey Chris!

I have been to the import autos, dealer,machine shops and driveshaft shops with no luck!

I can re-use my old one if I have to, but would really like to fix it while the car is apart. If I find a solution, I'll let you know

Robert Hudson

Lakeland

[240ZX]

I think he means the universal joint in the steering shaft from firewall to steering rack. Not ball joints.

And to RobertH, I'm not sure of your solution. I have had some success with ujoints at a local place that does driveline service and works on agricultural driveshafts. Good luck.

Chris

Your so right Chris! I guess I just can't read anymore (old age I guess)!!!

But now that I'm clear on the subject....the bearings he is talking about, in the steering shaft U-joints, are a proprietary type bearing. What this means is they are only sold to the manufacture who specs them out....so basically you can't buy them! What I had to do, after discovering the bad news, was go to a number of salvage yards and seek out a steering shaft assembly, from a Z of course, that had no play and remove it and purchase it. I suppose one could modify their existing unit by welding on new u-joints that have available and replacement bearings. Isn't there a company called Flamming River who makes all sorts of steering line components?

[ChrisA]

Isn't there a company called Flamming River who makes all sorts of steering line components?

Hey Tom, you're right on the money! Here's a link, looks pretty cool. Looks like you could cut the yokes off the stock shafts and add these cool chromed pieces.

http://www.flaming-river.com/joint1.htm

Chris

[26th-Z]

Thanks for all the leads, guys. I'm not giving up on a replacement yet. As you can imagine, I have a million other things to do in front of a steering shaft U-joint. But don't call me slacker! I'll start asking around.

After a few weeks of searching, I just found a place to restore my alternators. The poor guy called me up and told me that he was going to have to send out the "staters"? and have them rewound. And then he says: "ya' know, ya can't get parts for these things anymore!". He was all freaked out because the alternators were going to cost me $90 or more each by the time they are all rebuilt and looking pretty again. You should have seen them. Rusted solid - frozen up and really nasty. Ahh...the restoration game...

[bjhines]

I'm going to dig this one up again....

The datsun Rack has a 15mm 28 spline spud... you cannot use the aftermarket joints without having a set custom fabricated...

The stock steering u-joints are 15mm with 28 splines...

The closest thing anyone has is made by Borgenson... it is 15mm 29 spline to fit Toyota Landcruisers...

I have not been junk yard hunting to find out what other makes might fit our spline count... but I have faith that there are other later model cars(or Korean landscaping equipment) with a similar joint...

I really have to question the comments I have read that say..""I got one at the lawn&garden repair shop.""

I have checked with most of the shops and measuered everything I could get my hands on... Most of that equipment has pin-joints... not suitable for my track car... I am officially calling B.S. on the lawn care comments....

[JimmyZ]

I do a little machining. It would be easy to find a U-joint that was approximately the same size and alter the stock yokes to fit. The fixture creation that it would take would make most machinists cringe. This is probably one reason along with litigation fears that keeps the machinists sending you on your way. Once the fixture was made though... It would be best to make a fixture for the lathe so that turning the grooves for the C clips would be easier. A CNC milling machine could do the C clip grooves with a special boring head also. Setup costs = $$$$$. I'm just thinking of how it could be done with the tools at my disposal.

In a pinch, splines can be made on a lathe although making a special broach would be best. The broach is probably how the factory made it unless it was forged. (Stamped vs shaved) Making a broach for limited use could be done but this approach of making another yoke work probably isn't required.

If I remember right the U joints on the Z steering shaft use four peened areas for retention. There are no circlips involved. If this method were used for the replacement joint then machining the jounals oversize would be very simple and could be done very easily. No special jig or elaborate fixtures required. Making a tool to do the peening to an accurate height would be a pain though. The circlip idea is better.

My 2c

[bjhines]

I have a lead... Nissan Pathfinder trucks... I don't know what years.. whichever ones had the reverse steering box...

[Sean240Z]

I just had an Out-of-Province inspection completed on my 240Z (requried to re-register my 240Z in Alberta). The garage found that there was excessive play in my steering U-Joint and that it needs to be replaced. Here's the kicker...I've got to complete the repairs in 14 days or I get to pay the $150 inspection fee again . This sucks! From what I've read, my best option is to find a suitable lower steering shaft with U-joint from a wreckers, and replace my worn unit.

Did anyone find a source for the steering U-Joint (or "Assembly - Joint Steering Lower, according to the parts fiche)?