Worn Inner Driveshaft Bodge.

[Torq]

Hi Guys,

my inner drive shaft is well worn! There is around 10deg of slack which gives a great "clunk" during quick gearchanges, which I don't do anymore!! I do mainly motorway driving so don't change gear that often and until I get a replacement, either 2/hand or from Poland, I'm considering welding the worn bits together insitu as a bodge to keep me going and when replacement time comes, get the angle grinder out for disassembly. Anyone any good reason why I shouldn't do this?

TIA

Torq

[Willie Krashitt]

Hi,

In theory, doing what you suggest might work, but as I advised Mirez some time ago, I think you will have difficulty getting enough weld penentration for it to last long (there is a HUGE torque going through this joint) also you will have to consider that the shaft has to be in alignment properly, and to get this 'in vehicle' with a worn joint will be virtually impossible. Add to this the amount of heat generated during welding and what it's effect on the output flange seal will be, I can only suggest that it isn't really worthwhile doing.

If you repair it properly now, at least the weather is still warm enough to let you crawl under cars without too much pain. Put it off, and you can almost guarantee that it will be wet and cold when you need to do it.

 

George.