I have a 1987 300D that is in need of a u-joint on the drive line. I can't find one without going to the dealer. If possible, I would like to go without that expense. Since it is my daily driver, I would like to find one before I take it apart. I saw that it is staked in the drive line, does that mean that I need to replace the whole driveline? I can take it apart and get measurements, but will I be able to find a replacement that will fit? If I take it out I sure don't want to put it back in worn out condition. It isn't serious yet, but it will be before long. Thanks in advance for your help.

 

The thump when shifting was my first clue. When I changed the flex plates, I felt a little slack in the joint itself, and with the new flex plates, the thump didn't go away. The only place I could feel any slack was the u-joint. C.v. joints, differential, transmission, drive line splines (slip joint), center support bearing and mounting bracket, everything felt good, no slack. To me it points directly at the u-joint. Am I wrong?

 

Can I replace just the half with the u-joint, or will I have to get the whole driveline?

 

Sorry to resurrect an old post, but I have a similar issue. As part of a flex disc/support bearing replacement job, I took the back half of my driveline on my 1987 190D to my local shop to have them press on a new support bearing.

The mechanic immediately told me that my u-joint is bad and I need to find a new/used driveline. The u-joint tends to "stick" in the center before moving a few degrees one way, or the other. Does this mean that it is bad? If yes, where the heck am I going to find one (whole driveline)? Anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks in advance.

 

Thanks. There is no play in the joint, but since I'm a newb I want to make certain that we are talking about the same thing.
You are saying that it is ok if it feels like the joint is rolling over a cam (notched feeling) when bending the u-joint along either axis away from center. Correct?