Is My Drive Shaft Kaput?

1950 - 1952, M38, questions, discussions, regarding anything related to the M38.
Post Reply
User avatar
Buster1
G-Master Sergeant
G-Master Sergeant
Posts: 124
Joined: Fri Jun 18, 2021 7:45 am
Location: Fort Worth, TX

Is My Drive Shaft Kaput?

Post by Buster1 » Sat Aug 07, 2021 4:40 pm

Hey guys. Just wanted to see if anyone has had this issue, and maybe a remedy.

I’m replacing the U Joints in my old propeller driveshaft. I’ve got a good C shaped bearing press, impact driver, etc. Put some light grease in the old holes and got the rear side done with zero issues.

The holes on the front end are pretty out-of-round, and the caps just won’t go in straight, even hand cranking the press. The caps keep diving off at an angle and just won’t track. Tried with the impact driver going slow and they got to about halfway and stopped… then the yoke started bending. Uggg.

I think the driveshaft is shot. With out of round holes I just can’t press anything in straight. And now the caps are stuck as you see below.

Is it time for a new driveshaft?
Attachments
12EB5FAA-72CD-4FB5-B346-5A6B8E82EC63.jpeg
USAF Retired


jnissen
G-Sergeant Major
G-Sergeant Major
Posts: 150
Joined: Sun Dec 16, 2018 9:43 pm
Location:
Contact:

Re: Is My Drive Shaft Kaput?

Post by jnissen » Sun Aug 08, 2021 11:16 am

Have you tried an hydraulic press? They don’t look terribly out of shape. If in your press you can still bend it then yes a new yoke is needed.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Jim Nissen
1955 M38A1
Patent Plate MD74784
Engine Plate MD85578
BS Hood Number 20974784

User avatar
Buster1
G-Master Sergeant
G-Master Sergeant
Posts: 124
Joined: Fri Jun 18, 2021 7:45 am
Location: Fort Worth, TX

Re: Is My Drive Shaft Kaput?

Post by Buster1 » Sun Aug 08, 2021 12:09 pm

No hydraulic press, just a large hand operated press where we used an impact gun or hand cranked the screw to press the caps. Unfortunately, no matter how we attempted, the caps would jam and then the whole yoke ear assembly would begin to compress and get further misshaped. The other side went in beautifully, straight, perfect with no caps tracking oddly.

I just heard that we have a really good axle and driveshaft shop in town that rebuilds, welds, and balances driveshafts. I may try them and see what my options are before buying a new driveshaft.
USAF Retired

GPW1263
Sergeant Major of the Gee
Sergeant Major of the Gee
Posts: 388
Joined: Mon Mar 21, 2011 7:18 am
Location: San Antonio, Texas

Re: Is My Drive Shaft Kaput?

Post by GPW1263 » Sun Aug 08, 2021 1:50 pm

I believe a new yoke is in order.

Take it in to a reputable shop and let them guide you.

Adam
G-Lieutenant General
G-Lieutenant General
Posts: 4526
Joined: Sun Jul 20, 2003 6:03 pm
Location: Little Meadows PA

Re: Is My Drive Shaft Kaput?

Post by Adam » Thu Aug 12, 2021 3:49 am

Ron has NOS small end threaded seal yokes for 50 bucks, Wonder what a drive shaft shop will charge you? Just get a used shaft that is good and go from there.

Adam


Post Reply

Return to “M38 Technical Knowledge Base”

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 33 guests