Anyone ever change a drive shaft/u joint on a rig before?

[Chieftain27]

I had a fellow camp host get under with me. We were able to pinpoint the exact unjoint causing the problem (I hope). It’s on the rear section of the drive shaft and it’s the ujoint in the center where the two halves connect. He was pressing on the shaft as I had my fingers wrapped around the center u joint. I felt side to side, up and down wiggling that was not present on any other u joint. It was a minor wiggle but from what I assume that minor wiggle can cause a rumble with all of the weight from the rv resting on it. Correct me if I’m wrong please.
I will buy two u joints to replace them both as I don’t want any other troubles down the road.

[darnold9999]

Originally Posted by Chieftain27

I had a fellow camp host get under with me. We were able to pinpoint the exact unjoint causing the problem (I hope). It’s on the rear section of the drive shaft and it’s the ujoint in the center where the two halves connect. He was pressing on the shaft as I had my fingers wrapped around the center u joint. I felt side to side, up and down wiggling that was not present on any other u joint. It was a minor wiggle but from what I assume that minor wiggle can cause a rumble with all of the weight from the rv resting on it. Correct me if I’m wrong please.
I will buy two u joints to replace them both as I don’t want any other troubles down the road.

Any play at all in a UJoint can cause the drive shaft to be out of alignment and create odd sounds. Replace them. It might not be the source of your rumble, but you will eliminate a likely source.

[oldbeek]

Originally Posted by twinboat

Look for rust around each cap, a sign of bad bearings.

Chock wheels, release parking brake if on the drive shaft, and take trans out of park. Now there is no load on shaft and you can check for any looseness on each joint.

X2, rust around the cups, and they can make a squeaking noise also. They can be shot and have no looseness.