Gear linkage Universal joint replacement

[Europa73]

Hi all,


Has anyone replaced the Universal Joint at the back of the back of the gear linkage.

Please see the pic

I have rear linkage off the car but on first look don't see the retaining clips -

if you did replace it - can this joint be picked up anywhere as with most other U-J's


Many thanks,

[TCS4605R]

The U-joint can be rebuilt.  There is one long pin that goes all the way thru the U-joint and (2) shorter pins that go only thru one side of the U-joint.  The only way I found to locate the longer pin is to try pressing out a pin - if it can't be pressed out, its the short pin.  There are (4) needle bearings that the pins ride in - the needle bearings each have a cap that is part of the needle bearing assembly, so once you start pressing things apart, the caps will get hurt and you are committed to finishing the job.  I used Torrington needle bearings.  You can buy the bearings on-line.  The pins can also be bought on-line - you buy a length on the material and cut your pins to length.  If you are interested, I can look thru my pile of invoices and find where I bought the bearings and the shaft material.

Tom - 74TCS - 4605R

[4129R]

When I bought 75032429P in 1978, the car was around 3y 3m old, and that joint was already completely knackered after about 35,000 miles, so the quality of the original bearings must have been suspect.

Finding any gear was a challenge. I replaced the whole back gear linkage as the part was readily available from the Lotus Dealer in Kensington.

[Neil D]

The U-joint can be rebuilt.  There is one long pin that goes all the way thru the U-joint and (2) shorter pins that go only thru one side of the U-joint.  The only way I found to locate the longer pin is to try pressing out a pin - if it can't be pressed out, its the short pin.  There are (4) needle bearings that the pins ride in - the needle bearings each have a cap that is part of the needle bearing assembly, so once you start pressing things apart, the caps will get hurt and you are committed to finishing the job.  I used Torrington needle bearings.  You can buy the bearings on-line.  The pins can also be bought on-line - you buy a length on the material and cut your pins to length.  If you are interested, I can look thru my pile of invoices and find where I bought the bearings and the shaft material.

Tom - 74TCS - 4605R

Hi,
is this the type of UJ found at the rear of the gear box ?
Anybody know were to get them ?

Thanks

Neil

[jbcollier]

Shift linkage u-joints are available from the usual suspects : Banks, RD, Bean, etc.

[Neil D]

Shift linkage u-joints are available from the usual suspects : Banks, RD, Bean, etc.

Even this one, at the rear of the car ?
how is it removed ?

Almost completed conversion from RHD to LHD :-)

Thanks
Neil

[jbcollier]

Haven't changed one myself so I did a little digging.  Here are some threads I have found:

http://www.lotuseuropa.org/LotusForum/index.php?topic=24.0

https://groups.io/g/LotusEuropa/topic/48070639#18179

Basically, it's not meant to come apart.  You'll have to do some destructive disassembly.  If your replacement has larger diameter cups, get the yokes sized by a machine shop or a driveline shop.

[BDA]

I just noticed that Bean lists the rear u-joint in their catalog. It would expect that r.d. enterprises has them also and one of the links JB posted tells of a guy who got one from JAE. It seems like they might not be as hard to find as we might fear.

[Neil D]

Haven't changed one myself so I did a little digging.  Here are some threads I have found:

http://www.lotuseuropa.org/LotusForum/index.php?topic=24.0

https://groups.io/g/LotusEuropa/topic/48070639#18179

Basically, it's not meant to come apart.  You'll have to do some destructive disassembly.  If your replacement has larger diameter cups, get the yokes sized by a machine shop or a driveline shop.

Thank you for the information, this job is not goig to be straight forward !
Neil

[Neil D]

I just noticed that Bean lists the rear u-joint in their catalog. It would expect that r.d. enterprises has them also and one of the links JB posted tells of a guy who got one from JAE. It seems like they might not be as hard to find as we might fear.

Hi, thanks for the input. I guess the catalogue is not online ! any chance of a scan of the page that lists the UJ.
Thank you
Neil

[BDA]

Yeah, Bean is a low-tech operation. Everything is done on the phone or on email. Give me a bit and I'll post a scan of the page.

I would advise getting their catalogs for not only parts information but also the technical information in them. They really put a lot of work into them.

[Fotog]

Their catalog is a useful document.  But I don't think it should be viewed as any kind of listing of what they sell.  I think you need to call them if you want to know for sure.

Vince 

[BDA]

I agree, Vince. I wouldn't assume they have every part in their catalog. I would say that when I asked about parts that I didn't expect them to have any more, they had them. I know they make some of their own parts too. In any case, you have to call them or email them anyway since there is no online ordering.

Having said that, I've attached a picture of the page with the u-join, Neil (the pdf was too large). Thankfully, their phone number is on the page! There's no point in attaching the price sheet.

[Neil D]

Thank you for all the information

I will make a call ( if timezone is correct) or drop them an email

Merci

Neil