Dear forum, new member here. I have acquired 1975 ke26 rolla in EU and it's been going great! It has always been little bit noisy after hitting 80km/h, but with the change of tires, things improved considerably, however occasional clunking drive shaft noise hasn't and over time new noises (gearbox>driveshaft) started to appear to the point where I'm planning to get my driveshaft rebuilt by the mechanic. It's been difficult so far getting a mechanic who knows about this car or what components it has. My last resort is to get the shaft out, measure everything and start looking, but I thought I'd ask if anyone here has better idea for identifying the u-joints, gearbox joint etc. Here's my ask fellow members, can any ke2x or 3k engine owners please help me identify aftermarket parts (u-joints, bearings etc.) for the driveshaft? I can try taking some pictures under the car if that helps

Thank you, your help is greatly appreciated

Hi Tomas,

                 When a car gets to as olde as your KE26 is; things start to wear out, & clunk & rattle.  The "drive train" from the back of the engine to the rear wheels , encompasses, gearbox, tail shaft & differential; all parts, which last a long time, & rarely receive any attention, until they make a noise, or a vibration, as is, in your case.

Differentials, are usually easy to identify, as they make large clunking noises, taking up the wear in the pinion & gear wheel.  The tailshaft, as you have identified, is probably the most likely cause of the vibrations.  The universal joints, last years & years, but are made up of a number of small needle rollers, in a cup bearing, around the cross joint.  These needle bearings, wear out & can collapse, especially if the uni joints are sealed units, without facilities, to pressure grease them ocassionally.

Your suggestion, of taking the tailsft out, & having a specialist replace the uni joints, with new ones completely, sounds like a very going starting point.

A Typical Universal Joint

If you take out the tailshaft, after draining the gearbox, you should be able to feel any slop or wear in the two uni joints, just by hand.

Considering the cars age, the tail shaft, may well perform better, if it is balanced also, whilst it is out; but a specialist, will be able to determine that for you.

I think you are on the track, but being a very olde car, replacing the uni joints, may not be the total cause of your vibrations.   However, it will be a good start.

Please let us know what you find.

Cheers Banjo

 

Edited June 30, 20233 yr by Banjo

Try these guys.  They have a good range of older parts and usually very helpful.  Yes they are in Australia, but you are going to have to accept that.  I've been buying parts from UK, Europe, Japan and US for years.

https://www.autosurplus.com.au/?_kx=IW2Xbo3UgLz4WKwvszjr3ZP_IpSLSUJs5GILWsGOAZI%3D.VADT9w

Edited June 30, 20233 yr by parrot

Hi Tomas,

                   There are a number of people selling after-market KE-2X uni joints, on ebay.  They are commonly available, in places like Malaysia & Thailand; where the early Corollas, were very, very popular, & they still keep them going.

https://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p4432023.m570.l1313&_nkw=universal+joints+Toyota+Corolla+KE25&_sacat=0 

Here is a u-tube video, which describes how to change the uni-joints, yourself.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atxj3izLg3A

Just look how dry the needle rollers are, when He pulls it apart.

Let us know how you fare.

Cheers Banjo

Edited July 1, 20233 yr by Banjo

Thanks for your replies team, I greatly appreciate your help. Will post an update once I start with this job ❤️

Looking forward to that Tomas, & being of any assistance, if needed.

Cheers Banjo

P.S.  When you get started keep a camera close by, if you run into issues.  I picture of what you are trying to do or achieve, usual is much better than a thousand words.

 

Hi folks, quick update. So I took my car to the mechanic and my u-joints were totally shot, mechaninc took them out and I went ahead, measured and odered 2 pieces + clips from the local shop specializing in drive shaft repair. They had to order them in at 23euro a piece, and the repair job at 30euro. Car is back in business, but it's nowhere near over. Next job will be to fix rust on the body after take back to the mechanic to get the engine cleaned and figure out if it's just the gaskets or it could use a rebuild

u-joint specs: any u-joint that has 22mm diameter, 57mm length

Ah Uni Joints !  A very much unloved item, that gets little attention, because they are not readily accessible.  Every time I have my car up on the ramps; I give them a wriggle & see if there is any unwanted movement.   I've seen good mechanics, whenever they have a car up on the hoist for anything, including just a simple oil change, feel all the universal joints, whilst awaiting the oil to fully drain.

Tomas; keep us posted, with your progress.

Cheers Banjo