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MG MGB Technical - Steering col. universal joint.

Is it possible to remove the needle roller bearings from the universal joint, and if so can anybody tell me how?

I can see how they are installed... they simply press into the casting... but how to get the old ones out....?

I could, of course, just buy a new UJ from Moss... but why do things the easy way....

Angus
Angus Munro

Angus - do things not only the easy way but the safe way - your life could depend on the steering, suspension and braking systems - don't scrimp in these areas.

The steering UJs are not designed for needle bearing replacement and the wear will extend to the bearing cup and the spider as well - all that will be reusable are the two yokes.
Chris Betson

Hello Chris,

I had, of course, taken replacement of the bearing cups into account but didn't think about the yokes, and more to the point, how little would be reuseable.

Having looked in the Moss catalouge and seen the replacement bearing / yoke set I thought that it might be interesting to fit a new assembly into the old yokes... but I cannot get them apart, and the time spent mucking about .....

Safety has never been an issue but, to my surprise, I am learning with this 'restoration' that the 'easy' way is often the 'only' way, i.e. throw away and buy new.

Ah well, another new unit it is then.

Best regards,

Angus
Angus Munro

What constitutes a worn UJ.

ie is a little movement OK, or must the UJ be absolutely solid, when held in the hand, not on the column.
Fred

A worn UJ is one with ANY movement between the two halves - best determined by putting your hand on the UJ whilst an assistant rocks the steering wheel.
Chris Betson

Oh dear, thanks Chris.

Guess I'll have to borrow some more cash to buy a new one.
Fred

Any play in the UJ is an MOT failure. The spider complete with cups and needle bearings can be changed easily enough, but make sure the new cups are a snug fit in the UJ and need light pressure to install. A replacement I had several years ago was a looser fit but passed the MOT so I didn't think any more about it, however it failed again the following year after only about 3k miles. Took the parts back to the supplier and he claimed my yokes must have been worn, but I had kept the old UJ and could demonstrate that the old cups were a better fit then the new. He gave me a new UJ (tigher cups) without further argument. That UJ exhibited play again this year, in the bearings this time, so I used another supplier.
Paul Hunt

Paul,

Just out of interest, and as my original question... how did you get the cups to 'reverse' out of the yokes?

I have decided to buy a complete new unit now but, having spent a few hours with my old assembly, I still cannot fathom how you get it apart. If you have done it, it must be possible.

Best regards,

Angus.
Angus Munro

Angus, I don't know what method Paul used to remove the cups but I used some sockets and a heavy duty vise to remove the cups.After removing the cup circlips get one socket a little smaller in diameter than the cup, use this socket to push the cup on one side. On the opposite cup use a socket big enough for the cup to go inside the socket. Put the two sockets and the u joint in the vise and tighten the vise jaws to push the cup toward the big socket. The cup will come out far enough to allow you to pull it out with some vise grip pliers. Now that you have one cup out you can reverse the sockets and push the other cup out, or you may be able to drive it out with a drift. Use the same method on the other two cups and the spider will come out. I'm using the US name for tools and as usual the names may be different in the UK and Europe.

To assemble, insert the spider into one yoke, insert one cup with well lubricated bearings in one yoke eye and use the vise to push the cup in the yoke. Use the small socket to push the cup in enough to install the circlip. Do the other three cups and it's done. Hope this helps.

A hydraulic press would work better but I use what I have and it works for me. Regards, Clifton
Clifton Gordon

Angus - much the same as Clifton. You drive one cup into the yoke with the small socket which pushes the opposite one out into the larger socket. Once I removed the one that is 'out' with pliers I tapped the spider and cup that is 'in' back the other way so I can remove the spider and the second cup, which is now out, again with pliers. I take it you removed the four circlips first?
Paul Hunt

Clifton and Paul,

Thank you for your comprehensive replies both of which seem to describe the method that I tried... incuding the removal of the circlips....
Perhaps my lack of success thus far is due to
a) a lack of sufficient pressure being applied to...
b) cups that are 'welded' into position by rust and.. c) a mechanical instinct that tells me that 'If I apply more force I'm going to break this casting'.

I will try again this evening, break it or not, and will let you know how it goes.

Nice talking to you Gentlemen.

Angus.
Angus Munro

Clifton and Paul,

Well done Gents,

Just a little more pressure and it worked.
Or was it due also to a gentle word that the yokes could either cooperate and be a part of the future of this car... or go straight into the scrap bin.
Who would know?

As the yokes are in excellent condition I will buy the bearing set and rebuild the UJ.

Thank you again Gentlemen.

Best regards,

Angus.
Angus

Ah, well, talking to the car is a must, but it has to be regular including pleasant greetings as well as threats when things don't go right. Make sure the new cups are a snug fit (i.e. will have to be pressed in) and don't just slip in under finger pressure.
Paul Hunt

Angus,

Congratulations, I'm pleased to hear it worked.

Best regards, Clifton
Clifton Gordon

Your point about the fit of the cups is well taken, also mentioned by Clifton.
Now I just have to rely on Moss Darlingtonm to supply the excellent goods and service that I am getting used to with them.

Thanks again, I have along way to go and this project keeps me off the streets, literaly.

Angus
Angus

This thread was discussed between 14/10/2002 and 18/10/2002

MG MGB Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGB Technical BBS is active now.