I have just recently had to replace one of the u/j's on the front propshaft on our 2000 TD5 Auto.

I unbolted the prop at the transfer box end, compressed the sliding joint fully, got it clear of the tranfer box flange bolts and pulled it off the splined joint. This left the front u/j still attached to the diff flange and as the outer part of the sliding joint had one large groove, I thought that this would engage with one large spline on the inner part.

When I went to re-fit it there was no corresponding large spline, so I put it on in what I thought was the same orientation.

Now when travelling under load at about an indicated 75 MPH (probably actually dead on 70 MPH allowing for speedo error, officer), there is a vibration in the drivetrain. This dissapears completely at higher speeds when travelling on the German Autobharns.

Would the prop have been balanced with the 2 halves together? I can't find any other dodgy u/j's and the rubber coupling on the rear diff looks to be fine.

I,m pretty sure they are balanced, and although it is to late now, it is alwayas a good idea to mark the positions of the prop components so they go back the same.

I take it the vibrations have started only since the prop rebuild ?.

50 pence said:

I,m pretty sure they are balanced, and although it is to late now, it is alwayas a good idea to mark the positions of the prop components so they go back the same.

I take it the vibrations have started only since the prop rebuild ?.

Click to expand...

Yes, I should have marked it but it was pouring with rain and I was laying in a puddle doing it. I tried to ease the sliding joint back to look at it and it popped apart all of a sudden.

There was a bit of a vibration there before, probably because of the worn out joint.

Because the flanges can only be mated up in 2 positions, I can probably only be 180 degrees out on the splines, so I might try spinning it round on the transfer box flange.

try putting inner most bearing caps in the yokes in lins as here
Google Image Result for http://extreme4x4.co.uk/acatalog/DCprop.jpg

jamesmartin said:

try putting inner most bearing caps in the yokes in lins as here
Google Image Result for http://extreme4x4.co.uk/acatalog/DCprop.jpg

Click to expand...

Thanks James. I will give that a try. If that doesn't work I will try rotating 180 degrees too.

Just a quick update on this.

I had another look at it about 2 weeks ago and the yokes were out of line by one or two splines. Pulled it apart again at the sliding joint and re-fitted with the yokes in line and by using the grease nipple as a guide. Amazing how much easier it was when it wasn't ****ing with rain and I wasn't laying in a puddle!

All seems to be well again now.