U joints

[French Frie]

dear all,
   
   I found there's some play in my steering  system, despite the 13K only mileage ...
   
   I think about changing the U joints (and maybe the intermediary shafts), replacing them by high quality ones (from Flaming river for example).
   
   two questions :
   - does anybody has already done that ?
   - the upper U-joint is welded to the middle shaft... is it normal ?

[French Frie]

additional question : do you know ho many splines have the 3/4" shaft (30, 36 or 48) ?

[dkp_cobra]

I had the same problem: some play in the steering system. There were two problems. The lower UJ had play and the quite long shaft from the MGB steering rack had no leading. I changed the UJ (it was one from an Triumph) and installed a rod end to lead the shaft:
   
   
   
   
   
   Much better now. And yes, the upper UJ is welded on the shaft.

[French Frie]

Thanks for the pictures, Peter... My setting is different from yours ! The shaft coming from the steering rack is much shorter, and the middle shaft is longer... Each have a diameter of 19mm (3/4").
   
   I thought about fitting a rod end for the intermediary shaft, as you did ... BTW, Flaming River says that when there are two UJ, it is needed !