Half shaft play

[jsl5150]

The half shaft on my Z turn about an inch before the wheels start turning. I'm sure this is the reason for the "thunk" sound I hear when I let out the clutch. Any ideas on what the cause is, u-joints etc..? Ideas would be appreciated. Thanks

[texasz]

Climb back up under the car and twist the half shaft watching for where the play is located. If it's a U-joint you will see the play in that location and then know that this is what you have to replace. If your u-joints are tight and the play is at either end of the half shaft then repost with your findings and someone here who knows more than I do will be able to assist you further.

[jsl5150]

Well I got under the car and sure enough the outer passanger side u-joint is bad. Thanks for looking at my post

[dogma420]

to be a real Zed freak, you are going to have to get good at replacing all 4 u joints on those halfshafts.

I have had to do it twice; the passenger outer u joint seems to always go first (the wheel that drives the most)...the needles all fall out...recommend splicer u joints (seem to work best)...first time you do this, the whole operation takes about 3 hours...the 2nd time, 1/2 the time (about an hour and a half)...you get real good at replacing the u joints!

Good luck, and after replacing all 4, the drive gets a lot tighter...if the rubber mount on the diff hasn't been replaced for a long time, it more than likely needs replacing as well and is causing a little of the bump (but the ujoint will really make the clunk sound!)....

[george71z]

Also check the moustache bar bushings. If they are broken up, or missing, it will also contribute to the 'thunk'.