quote:
Originally posted by jack deryke:
Jim is correct. I'll add that if a u-joint catastrophically fails, the shaft disconnects & extends on the splines but does not fly apart, even when smacking the ZF cases hard enough to crack them (inboard u-joint) or tearing the inner fender panel apart (outer u-joint). FWIW, I'd be more worried if NO grease showed, as the splines must have grease in order for the halfshaft to move in & out and the rear suspension to work correctly.
Thanks guys. I was able to tighten it somewhat by hand, about 1/8 inch movement when I turned it. So maybe this is all it needed. I was just getting worried because it was slinging some grease around and I thought the seal (if there is one in that location) may be in need of rebuild. The U joint areas have a very slight movement when I tug up & down on them, which is why I may consider a rebuild anyway. About a year ago the other side was seeping some grease at the U jounts when moving them up and down, so this side may be due a reubild soon anyway. I hear it is hell when one of these break lose.