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MG TD TF 1500 - Universal joint

What is the first indication of a loose or bad universal joint. I have a nasty vibration that kicks in around 45 to 50 mph.
I'm trying to avoid crawling around on the floor at my age. Knees went years ago. I will when I have to. Took a week to recover from rewiring tail lights.
Peter Dahlquist

"What is the first indication of a loose or bad universal joint?"

An audible "clunk" coming from underneath.

You can get a better handle on it by putting trans in reverse and then pushing/pulling the car back and forth. There will be a bit of free movement with trans & rear end clearances, but a "clanking sound" from the driveshaft would be an indication you need the investigate further.

You could start out by retightening lug nuts to eliminate the idea it has a loose wheel. Check your air pressure, too, along with visual inspection of the tires. Out of balance and out of round tires are high up on the list of suspects, too, but harder to evaluate.

I can relate on how the ground keeps getting farther and farther away every year. With my fake knee, I feel like a beached whale when crawling around on the ground. Fortunately, I have a hoist and overhead cranes.
JIM N

The most reliable way to check for u-join wear is to try to move the two parts of the shaft joints in every direction against each other. If the two parts move at all, the needle bearings are bad and the joint needs to be replaced. Also, look at the bearing caps to see if they are spinning in the joint - there will be circular wear in the cap by the retaining ring. If a cap is spinning the joint is bad.

Two styles of u-joints are available - with and without grease nipples. I prefer with, just to make it a part of my annual go-through.

Although it's not mandatory, I take the shaft to the nearest truck shop to have it balanced, as well. It always comes back with weight welded to the shaft, so I think it's worth it.

Front wheel balance is critical - have the car up on a lift and spin the front wheels, looking for the most true wheels - swap them out until the two best are in the front. Then have them balanced. Check the wheel bearings for looseness, as well.

Tom Lange
MGT Repair
t lange

Save your knees and go to a shop, put it on the hoist and shake the thunder out of the joints. Any ratel, replace
Gary Fisher

Thanks guys
I did the wheels merry go round. No issues. Did the "above ground" stuff. A wonderful driver below 45 mph
Peter Dahlquist

Is this a vibration that just recently appeared?? A bad U joint would be felt at slower speeds also.
Do you feel it in the steering wheel?

Steve
SPW Wincze

Time to top the shocks with oil. Good chance the vibration will disappear.
JIM N

what do you mean ,,,,,
I did the wheels merry go round. No issues.
SPW Wincze

Your shocks need oil to damp the suspension. If the oil is too low in one, that wheel is free to bounce and generate a harmonic vibration at a specific speed.

Figure out what shock you have and check the archives on how & what to refill with. I use the pointy cap found on gear lube bottles to squirt oil in, but to each his own.

While you have the wheels off, inspect for missing or loose bolts everywhere. Shake the suspension components looking for slop in the A-arm bushings, steering trunnions, tie rods, axle U-bolts & shackles...
JIM N

This thread was discussed between 25/02/2022 and 02/03/2022

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