Topic: Odd U-Joint issue

[ouch1]

Ok so I use my '66 as a daily driver, and recently I noticed an oscillating high pitch sound whenever the car was moving in reverse. So this past Saturday I figured it would a be a good idea to replace the u-joints. After running to the parts store I jacked the rear of the car up and placed it on jack stands (with tire chocks for the front tires). I then unbolted the drive line and pulled it out. With the drive line on the work bench I proceded to remove and inspect the u-joints. I found that one of the lobes was almost completely rusted solid!!! Then I noticed that the seals on the u-joint were cork. So the only thing I can think of is that they were the original u-joints the car shipped with or were replaced shortly after the car was purchased.

So I replaced both u-joint and no more squeaking when in reverse. I was just wondering if I am right about the age of the prevoius u-joints. Sorry i did not get pictures as i wanted to finish fixing the car and then cleaning up.

-ouch1

[66GTKFB]

If the U-joints did not have a Zerk grease fitting, the were probably original equipment.
Jim
About 3/4 mile from Intel HQ

[Soaring]

Are you sure about that Jim?  I bought my car about 20 years ago and it only had like 70K miles on it.  It has grease zerks, and I can't imagine Ford putting on U joints at the factory back then without the zerks.  As far a cork anything, I don't know.  Why in hell would you have cork on a U-Joint?     Cork won't hold grease.  That's a mystery to me. 

[ouch1]

Well they both had zerk fittings on them, and the cork seals were coated in some kind of rubber coating. Kind of like older valve cover caskets.

[Soaring]

Then, they were most likely the original U-Joints.  Just replace them and throw that old stuff away.  Be sure not to over torque the bolts. 

[66GTKFB]

Original 64-66 Mustang U-joints did not have Zerk fittings.
Jim

[ouch1]

Yeah I made sure to use the factory torque specs in my Haynes manual. It rides soo much better than before. I just never had heard of a single lobe getting all rusted up like that before, and I have been working on cars with my dad and by myself for over 20 years.

[Soaring]

Original 64-66 Mustang U-joints did not have Zerk fittings.
Jim

So what?  They should have.