My project Mercedes has a two piece drive shaft that I am replacing the giubos and the center support in. I have it out of the car and apart, and noticed while there is no slop in the u-joint, it can be moved a few degrees in either direction easily, then it hits a friction point that if I move it past, it gets easier to move, but not as easy as those first few degrees. Is this a sign it is worn and needs replacement, or is this pretty normal? The car has independent rear suspension, so the range of movement for the joint is pretty small, and I am guessing that is where the easier movement is.
Indexing. Technically yes, it should be replaced, if it isn't simply gummed grease. If you can exercise it a bunch and smooth it out, it was just grease.
In reply to Pete. (l33t FS) :
Moved it a few hundred times past the friction point on both axes, and they are still there. Guessing it is time to haul it to a driveshaft shop?
If you have it out, now is the time.
I mean, the good news is that it sounds more and more likely like you've found something that would cause a small vibration.
My experience is that if it is a staked U joint, a driveshaft shop would not want to touch it, they would rather build you a new driveshaft for $700 or so, maybe more.
Practically speaking, if it is not actually binding, it's probably fine. Maybe 90% of the cars on the road with IRS and a U joint in the driveshaft have a joint that indexes like that. It only becomes a problem when it seizes.
It does appear to be staked, no removable clips holding it in. Will have to see if someone local deals with it. It looks like the Dorman replacement is under $700, but the factory Mercedes part is over $1200. Maybe I will be reinstalling it and hoping the bearing and the giubos were the main issue.
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