Driveshafts

[Monkeyfish]

Hi all,

I've recently removed and refurbed the De-dion tube and driveshafts but now I've tried to refit it all and although I've got the elbows back in the lower trailing arms and the passanger side driveshaft reconnected the drivers side driveshaft is about two inches out is there a knack to getting this realigned or do I have to disconnect the trailing arm and connect the driveshaft and go from there? Thanks

 

[redrover]

Just push it. The DeDion tube expands slightly when it is not under any strain. You will not notice this when you bolt one half shaft up, but when it comes to the other side it will be miles away from the diff as you describe. Get a mate to push the elbow inwards (ie towards the diff) while you align the halfshaft and get the bolts in. It doesn't take too much force, but make sure the car is secure on stands and a jack before you do it, as your arms and shoulders will probably be inside the wheelarch as you're putting the bolts in!!

Michael

 

[Dave3066]

A long ratchet strap is also useful for pulling both sides in.

Dave

 

[Monkeyfish]

Just push it. The DeDion tube expands slightly when it is not under any strain. You will not notice this when you bolt one half shaft up, but when it comes to the other side it will be miles away from the diff as you describe. Get a mate to push the elbow inwards (ie towards the diff) while you align the halfshaft and get the bolts in. It doesn't take too much force, but make sure the car is secure on stands and a jack before you do it, as your arms and shoulders will probably be inside the wheelarch as you're putting the bolts in!!

Michael

Thanks for the speedy response guys.
I've tried the above including the ratchet strap but it appears the de-dion tube is catching on something so I fear I may have messed up when putting it back together. It slides freely but then stops dead with a clunk! Its been a while since I had it appart but I remember there was a retaining clip in there, if the tube has expanded too far could this be catching on something? Thanks

 

[Monkeyfish]

It was that retaining clip!!! I must have expanded the de-dion tube too far at some point! For my foolishness the lords of the internal combustion engine unleashed an almighty storm upon me which resulted in me having to work under canvas and in the mud for the rest of the day. I have however managed to get everything back on and it appears to be in good working order.

 

[redrover]

Good news!

Jeez, those pics bring back memories of last year - things I don't want to be doing again any time soon!

Michael