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Hi All, I have a question regarding the subject as it pertains to the balls in the Universial Joint.

Some time ago I had a MB that made a rather dull popping sound when one was turning hard left or right. I sold it and later learned that the Bendix was unserviceable.

When I had my M38 inspected, I had to turn hard to get into the station and I heard a similar noise but it sounded as if it was coming from the back. Driving the jeep some 10 mile since, I have not heard the noise since and it steers ok. But, it got me to wondering if I have a bad subject shaft. When I did a complete restoratin (except for the differentials), I had all the steering completely apart 2 or 3 times trying to get it right.

When I pulled the axle out, I especially remember the passenger side, on two or three occassions, the balls dropped out and scattered all over the floor. Reading my trusty manual, 8012 as I recall, it stated that just because the balls fell out does not mean that the joint is unserviceable.

I just recently found a supply of new balls. To my surprise, looking in Ord 9 1955 edition, I see that there are 7 different sizes listed. To my further surprise, I see that there is no quantity listed but some mark that appears to be two +s on top of each other. The ones I have in mind to buy are the second from the largest size with a diam of 0.877".

With all of that info, here is my question, does the recesses for the balls of the shaft end wear more than the balls themselves? Is the reason for 7 different sizes so that one can order the exact size for a replacement" How does one measure except for trial and error"?

It will be noted that I am writing about the 4 outside balls as I do not have a new one for the middle one with the hole for the pin available. And, BTW, what does the one with the pin do? I remember having to figure out just exactly how to replace all the balls and in what sequence, but it has slipped my mind.

Thanks and Semper Fi Ben

Ben,
You are correct. The falling balls are not necessarily a sign of excessive wear. The instructions in 1804B are very detailed and easy to follow.

Yes, fitting of the joint is a trial and error method. But once you have an idea of the amount of slop in the joint you can get close to a needed size by using a dial indicator and measuring the slop. Then mic the balls and pick a size.

I would jack the front wheels off the floor and steer it max each direction while spinning the wheel and listening for the rumble of a loose joint.

The difficulty of repairing and fitting the Bendix joint without factory equipment was the reason the individual parts were quickly dropped from stocks and the entire acle asembly was replaced when worn joints were detected.

Hi Wes, thanks for your come back. ASAP, I will jack up the front end and do as you suggest. Do you know of a source for the full axle? And, estimated cost? I do not have any testing equipment for that close and type of measuring, maybe someone around town might. Take care and Semper Fi Ben

Ben,
The easiest solution is to just order a new spicer type joint and make the necessary changes to the steering stops and the axle drive hub outboard bushing.

The new spicer (cardan) type axle assembly is what is available new off the shelf from the civvy Willys dealers and some MV dealers.