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Triumph Spitfire - Clacking noise from rear area

I started noticing a clacking noise coming from the rear of car mostly when starting off from a stop.
I think its the rear axles. How can I check to verify. Anything else it may be? It doesn't look too hard getting them out but it seems like it may be a real bear getting them apart to replace bearings. Any ideas??
Gregg

Gregg,

First thing to check is those half shaft universal joints for wear. They experience rotational and longitudinal stress in normal use and so don't last as long as you might expect. Swapping them is a doddle; see Haynes manual for details.

Jon Bradbury

I had the same problem and changed the universal joints- problem gone.
But when I inspected my old universal joints I found out that the had holes like the ones on the Front suspension where the greasing nipples are usually screwed in. On the one hand I could not find any fitting nipples because theres nearly no space in between there and on the other hand I couldn´t find any other tool to get grease in - so my question: is it possible that the joints can be greased up, and if, is there any tool to get the grease in - or are the holes ther for any other reason?
Gernot
Gernot Hofstädter

Yes, Germot, you need a long nipple. It's about 2cms long, threaded at one end and a normal grease nipple at the other. I'm sorry, I can't remember where I got mine, try one of the well known Triumph parts suupliers, although the nipples are general use.

You should have a little blanking plug in the old U/J, to block the greasing hole. Like a short bolt with a screw slot cut into the top. Again, sorry, I don'ty know where you can get them, but your new joints certainly should have them.
Some dealers sell U/Js without greasing holes, "sealed for life" (oh,yeah). You decide!
John D

This thread was discussed between 11/05/2000 and 05/06/2000

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