Birty Dastards Jeep Club

Tech Forum => Workshop => Topic started by: Brynjaminjones on July 31, 2016, 07:52:58 PM

Title: XJ Front Driveshaft Play
Post by: Brynjaminjones on July 31, 2016, 07:52:58 PM
I'm trying to cure some vibrations I'm getting with my XJ at anything above about 60mph.


I though I had some bad driveshaft U-joints because I get a big clunk when I put it in gear but they all seem fine.
What I did however notice is that the slip joint (or whatever it's called!) on the front driveshaft definitely has some play when I push it up and down.


Is there anything that can be done about this or does it simply need replacing?


If it does need replacing, does anybody have a good front driveshaft for a stock '98 XJ?
Title: Re: XJ Front Driveshaft Play
Post by: wildwood on July 31, 2016, 07:58:44 PM
Make sure that's the prob. Take the driveshaft out and see if the prob goes away?
Title: Re: XJ Front Driveshaft Play
Post by: Brynjaminjones on July 31, 2016, 08:02:34 PM
Is it okay to simply remove the front driveshaft, or is it in any way holding transfer case fluid in? I don't have much experience with drivetrain stuff as somehow it hasn't needed touching in the last 4 years - not even a U-joint!
Title: Re: XJ Front Driveshaft Play
Post by: General Confusion on July 31, 2016, 08:23:44 PM
Nope. Just take it off at the joints.
Title: Re: XJ Front Driveshaft Play
Post by: Brynjaminjones on July 31, 2016, 08:26:43 PM
Perfect, thank you. I've just noticed the grease fitting that I didn't realise was there  :icon_redface:
Maybe I'll try greasing that first!
Title: Re: XJ Front Driveshaft Play
Post by: Dave69 on August 01, 2016, 12:48:39 PM
grease will only take so much play out of the system, but with it being a sliding shaft that doesnt slide much then you might be lucky in solving the issue. if its dry then you might require what seems to be alot of grease adding.
Title: Re: XJ Front Driveshaft Play
Post by: Brynjaminjones on August 01, 2016, 07:47:24 PM
I feel like a bit of a muppet. As you said Dave, after filling with a hell of a lot of grease the play has totally gone! I've not driven it yet but it has to be an improvement!
Next job is to grease the rear slip yoke to hopefully cure the awful clunking I get.  :003:


I went underneath the Jeep to inspect what I thought were knackered U-joints and it turns out that they don't seem to be cuasing any of my problems!
Title: Re: XJ Front Driveshaft Play
Post by: bigjeepzj on August 01, 2016, 07:55:39 PM
result
  :icon_super:
Title: Re: XJ Front Driveshaft Play
Post by: bgbazz on August 01, 2016, 08:44:43 PM
Grease, in the short term, is a messy bugger of job....in the long term, it can be your friend. Find all the nipples and give them the attention they need...might just save you some money.  :greggmo:
Title: Re: XJ Front Driveshaft Play
Post by: Dave69 on August 02, 2016, 12:24:23 PM
slip joints are easy to forget as they dont need greasing as often as ujs or suspension bolts. Better to grease now than to leave it and let it wear badly.

Not a muppet you just realised tht something requires greasing
Title: Re: XJ Front Driveshaft Play
Post by: JamesH on August 04, 2016, 11:55:55 PM
The clunk might be a worn gearbox mount. A fairly straightforward job to change