Tailshaft joint....boot?

AndrewT · Post by **AndrewT** » Wed Nov 11, 2009 9:59 am

I've just had to buy yet another uni joint for a tailshaft. Have a nasty habit of my old L series joints always flogging out. Unfortunately the same press fit "non replaceable" type are not available to buy, you have to get the replaceable type which don't come with a warranty and are basically throw-away deals they use for minesites. Apparently I can expect 5000kms out of them at a stretch.

Was wondering, how come tailshaft uni's don't come with a rubber boot around them filled with grease. I know it's not really necessary but seems like it could only help. If it works for CV joints which are constantly changing angles etc I can't see why it wouldn't for a tailshaft uni which basically stays at the same angle the whole time anyway.

GOD · Post by **GOD** » Wed Nov 11, 2009 1:08 pm

Unis shouldn't need a boot full of grease for the angles and loads they have to endure. All I can think of is unis with grease nipples, if you can find them in the right size. Maybe a single piece tailshaft so you have fewer of them to replace.

Are you sure everything is aligned and balanced properly?

Dane.

AndrewT · Post by **AndrewT** » Wed Nov 11, 2009 4:28 pm

Yeah. I had a brand new single piece shaft made up and fully balanced but opted to put one of my secondhand L series uni on the end that goes on the diff, as the driveshaft place rekoned that would be far better than their brand new "cheapy" ones (which is all they can offer). Unfortunately my L series one only lasted another ~5000kms and is now dead.

I think next time what I'll do is try to obtain a few Suby tailshafts from as late model / low km cars as possible and use the unis out of them. Next job for the driveshaft place will be a big one. Cut / shut three separate tailshafts to custom lengths for MonsterWagon and most likely replace all uni joints.

I thought the boot idea would likely be not required but surely it can't do any harm