[MV] MB with Tracta Joints, need advice.

jonathon (jemery@execpc.com)
Thu, 2 Sep 1999 20:32:37 -0500

Decided to do a brake job and flush the 55 year old oil and grease out of
the MB's front axle and I seem to have opened a pandora's box. I have the
u-joints which I beleive are called 'Tracta' jouints, look like a chinese
puzzle? The bushing in the spindle is worn some and I will replace it but
then I noticed that the bushing in the axle tube is seriously worn, like
flush with the steel tube, not only that the thrust face has worn it's way
thru that bushing into the steel. I am not up to replacing the axle shafts
($$$) and these seem in good shape anyway but this type of joint is rather
"floppy" in that, unlike all the other joint types, this one will not
maintain it's own center. Thus I can see why bushing wear would accelerate
with this setup more so that a Bendix, Rzeppa, or Spicer.

Anyone else noticed this? I am thinking of re-engineering the inner bushing
(make it longer) to take advantage of all of the bearing area on the shaft,
but just wondering if it's worth it or not.

je

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