Reliant Rebel 700 1967 Workshop Manual page 56

Section J
Description
The prop shaft (or drive shaft) comprises two universal joints plus a
splined section (sleeve yoke) which slides in to the rear gearbox
extension on the output shaft to allow fore and aft movement of the
rear axle. Each universal joint consists of a centre "spider", four
needle bearings and two yokes.
Routine maintenance
Two lubrication points are provided, one for each universal joint.
Grease should be applied to these points every 6,000 miles (10,000
km)
Prop shaft removal
1. Place the vehicle on a ramp, or on axle stands under the
chassis.
2.
Unscrew four bolts, nuts and locking washers from the
coupling flange at the axle end, to allow the shaft to be lowered and
slipped out of engagement with the gearbox extension.
Checking the prop shaft for wear.
The degree of wear on the shaft thrust faces can be determined by
the amount of lift in the joints. This can be measured by hand using a
piece of wood suitably pivoted. Any circumferential movement of the
shaft relative to the coupling flange yokes indicates wear in the needle
roller bearings, or ovality in the yokes.
A unit package (joint repair kit) is available for replacing worn needle
bearings and journals but if excessive wear is apparent in the yoke
bearings (or drive shaft splines) no action is possible and the drive
shaft will need to be renewed as a complete assembly.
Prop shaft - dismantling and re-assembly
To dismantle
1. Using circlip pliers (general tool No. 7066) remove the four
circlips from the universal joint.
Note: If no circlips are fitted, as may be the case on late vehicles, then
the yoke bearings are "staked" in to position. These shafts are sealed
and cannot be overhauled and a new shaft assembly complete will
need to be procured and fitted.
It may be necessary to clean rust and paint from the yokes to enable
the circlips to be removed.
Prop Shaft (Drive Shaft)
2. Tap the radius of the yoke with a hide mallet to release the
yoke bearings. Should this prove difficult then the bearings can be
gently prised out from inside the yoke. Withdraw the bearing cups and
disengage the journal from the yoke.
3. Repeat the sequence 1 and 2 on the remaining bearings,
removing the journal from the yoke on the shaft.
4. Similarly separate the yoke and journals at the opposite end
of the shaft.
To re-assemble
1. Remove the cups from the new spider journals.
2. Ensure that the cups contain an approved lubricant (one
third full, leaving an air space to allow for heat expansion) and that all
the needle rollers are in position.
3. Fit the spider to the prop shaft yoke, locating the journals in
the yoke and carefully press both bearing cups in to position, ensuring
that the spider trunnion engages the cups and that the needle
bearings are not displaced. Repeat this operation for the other
journal.
4. Using two tools of slightly smaller diameter than the
bearing cups, press the cups in to the yokes until they reach the lower
land of the circlip grooves. Do not press the cups below this point or
damage may be caused to the cups, bearings and seals.
5. Fit the circlips.
Operation 4
To replace
1.
Insert the sliding spline (sleeve yoke) in to the rear gearbox
extension on to the output shaft and push home.
2. Align the rear flange with the rear axle flange and secure
with four 5/16"UNF bolts, nuts and locking washers.
3. Lower the vehicle back to the ground
Page 56
Prop shaft - refitting