Play in propshaft u/j

[TomB]

Morning,

I've got my propshaft (1996, 55000 miles) on the bench while my car is in bits.  I gave it a good clean last night and checked the joints.  There is a small (but definitely there) amount of play in the front joint.  When I move it and feel the play, a little dirty brown grease oozes out.  Is any play acceptable in these joints, or am I looking at replacing them?  

If replacing, the joints don't seem expensive from CC (~£12 each).  Is this something I can do my myself?  I have circlip pliers so I can at least start to take them apart.   What about balancing afterwards? 

I've been quoted ~£100 for a rebuild and £150 for a new one made up by a local propshaft specialist.  

What do you think? 

Tom 

[Tony Whitley]

You don’t want any play in them.  I have replaced the UJs in the past, balancing was not a problem.

[TomB]

Thanks Tony, how do you do it?  

[7 wonders of the world]

Have them replaced with better spec joints - the stock CC ones are pretty nasty, and make sure its balanced afterwards.

[TomB]

The ones fitted are GKN ones, and Ill buy from Redline, so not sure how they comapre with CC ones.  Ive spoken to NW Propshafts just now and they said if just replacing one, there would be no need to balance, but would be if both U/J where done.  Balancing alone would be £60+vat, and overhauling mine with new U/J & balancing would be £100+vat.    

[7 wonders of the world]

I would not entertain an unbalanced prop on my car.

If your going to the trouble of taking the prop out I would replace both joints with upgraded ones, balance and refit, it not cost effective to do half a job on something which is so labour intensive to remove and replace.

[TomB]

Yes, I agree. Im rather fond of my legs  

[7 wonders of the world]

Not sure where you are in the country but Proptech in Hartlebury  (West Midlands) will do you a good job at a sensible price