From: noel shelley (noel@shelley1722.freeserve.co.uk)
Date: Sun Jan 11 2004 - 03:27:00 PST
Hi Paul & List,
Whilst may not quite as accurate as the experts
would like , the following should give reasonable results ! Firstly observe
the shaft rotating whilst the vehicle is being moved , if badly bent it will
be obvious , but be sure that what you see is not caused by badly worn
splines .
If you suspect a bent or out of balance prop shaft , remove from the vehicle
, strip down to just the long bit {half yoke torque tube & spline
shaft }find some one with a lathe and ask them to set up between centres and
check truth . This can be done by making your own gig , using a long piece
of angle or better I beam , two upstands and pointed bolts , as centres . If
it is bent it may be possible to straighten it . If not then cutting out the
torque tube and replacing can be done .
To check the balance dismantle the shaft as above and float in the bath .
CAREFULLY spin the shaft . If it always settles in a random position it
should be OK , if it always settles in one possition it`s out of balance.
To adjust the balance use worm drive hose clips on the tube .
IF front wheel shimmy is a problem Don`t underestimate the effect that
damping within the steering system has . In some vehicles the front hub
swivel pin preload is VITAL , it may make the steering heavier but is very
important .
AS always best wishes Noel
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