Alex,
That much slack when you turn the entire shaft is probably wear in
the thrust washers of the rear axle. It's possible that there is wear in
the splines of the sliding joint, but suspect the thrust washers first.
If you can grasp the drive shaft, shake it, and feel side-to-side and
up-&-down motion, that is more likely to be universal joints. Greasing
the u-joints may give a temporary tightening of them for this shake test.
You can also grasp the shaft on either side of a u-joint and try to
twist the parts in different directions. If there is any relative
movement, drop in at the local auto parts store for u-joints. Cheap and
nasty to replace.
Bob
On Fri, 30 Sep 2005 16:17:42 EDT AGreenberg@aol.com writes:
> Folks,
>
> I'm trying to track down a problem and I think it is in my universal
> or diff.
>
> Question: How much should the drive shaft move if you are moving
> it by hand?
> The car is off, in gear. I got under it and turned the shaft maybe
> 5 minutes
> based on 60 for a complete turn. Is that ok?
> Symptoms:
> If I'm just starting off it's fine up until about 10 mph. Then it
> for lack
> of a better term, it wobbles, sort of like if you have a busted tie
> rod end.
> I checked motor mounts and suspension...all seems fine.
>
> Any other thoughts?
>
>
> Best Regards,
>
> Alex
>
> Alex Greenberg
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