Vito propshaft UJ making a noise (W639)

[curious]

The old girl had her MOT today and the only thing that was mentioned was the rear UJ had a bit of play in it.
I must admit I had noticed in the last week or so a new unwanted noise on the overrun.

My question is, does anyone know if the UJ is held with circlips or crimped in? In other words, can I do it myself with a new UJ or do I need to replace the shaft?

Thanks.

 

[bembo449]

ive never known a UJ to not have replacable bearings , try a parts place with your reg / VIN number

 

[EmilysDad]

ive never known a UJ to not have replacable bearings , try a parts place with your reg / VIN number

I've not seen a u/j on a prop shaft on a modern car that has replaceable bearings

 

[M80]

Originals are crimped in,
replaceable by a specialist firm.
The last time I had one done it was over £100 and the new outer shell is tacked in place.

 

[clarkmichigan55b]

As M80 suggest
You need the the services of a firm like Propshaft services.

Home

 

[Droverunner]

Have a look at this video for an idea of the DIY nightmare. Alan's not a DIYer but it was on his own old vehicle and he wanted it done on the cheap....

 

[M80]

Jeez, that's drawn out.
He could've gone to Titan for a whole shaft. I don't see that they would be to the same quality as oem, but at less than half the price, less than £300, they can be justified..
Titan source from elsewhere rather than produce their own imo. I've have shaft that has grease nipples and the uj bearings are held by circlips. I don't think they still supply those.

 

[EmilysDad]

Jeez, that's drawn out.
.....

What an understatement! But I perservered to the end. lol
I seem to remember that the u/j's designed for circlips had various thickness circlips to set the end float of the centre yoke. Those that were designed to be pressed in didn't.

 

[M80]

What an understatement! But I perservered to the end.

I couldn't, I had to go and watch some paint dry.

 

[M80]

Curious where are you?
I've a couple of props here, not perfect but may have some purpose.

 

[curious]

Thanks M80.
I'm scrabbling around with sciatica on one side and a broken hip on the other (don't ask). After struggling my way under I'm not convinced it is the UJ as my MOT guy reckons.
The only play there is, is within the rear diff. I don't know how many degrees of play there should be, but to my thinking it's the only thing in the drive chain that could be making the noise.
Anyone know how many degrees of angle I should have when twisting the pinion and no movement at the wheels. I haven't got a protracor out but I reckon it's possibly 5-10 degrees.
(Looks like I might be getting that lower geared diff sooner than anticipated.)

 

[M80]

Min will move the same, there can also be a bit of slap when taking up drive / going to reverse. I have blamed the diff.
Have you considered replacing the diff fluid?

Fuchs Titan Sintopoid, FE SAE 75W-85

is the stuff.
I bought 2 litres, it takes approx 1.6 litres.

Usual warning, be sure the filler plug can come out prior to draining.

In truth I don't see you can examine the prop in situ, unless it's so goosed it's obvious.
The centre bearing is the one that might moan with age.

 

[Blobcat]

When I take my scenic route down to Sheffield I ride past a garage that advertises “Vito/Sprinter prop shaft repairs”. I take it from their advert that it isn’t an uncommon issue so you might find somewhere local to you that offers a similar service.

 

[Kev555]

Being from a farming background changing UJ,s was a part of life on PTO shafts. It wouldn't phase me but the circlip is only one worth attempting and it does require a second set of hands at times unless you are properly set up for it. For tight caps run a stitch of weld around the the cap on the yoke and old cap comes out easy usually.

 

[clarkmichigan55b]

best to take the prop shaft off to check the movement in all angles. It might be stiff or partial seized.

 

[ajlsl600]

The old girl had her MOT today and the only thing that was mentioned was the rear UJ had a bit of play in it.
I must admit I had noticed in the last week or so a new unwanted noise on the overrun.

My question is, does anyone know if the UJ is held with circlips or crimped in? In other words, can I do it myself with a new UJ or do I need to replace the shaft?

Thanks.

Depends.. for example mb g series no replaceable uj it's a shaft job and ££££, s but uj has pin to keep grease channel open I used to grease mine monthly and prior to any long trip. And never replaced one on 3 g series
I rather suspect benz will not have made that any eisier. And 4 sure no cheaper. W2o8 centre bearing not to traumatic.