Section G The Propeller Shaft; General Description; Lubricating The Universal Joints; Testing For Wear - MG MGA Twin Cam Workshop Manual

SECTION G THE PROPELLER SHAFT

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The propeller shaft and universal joints are of the Hardy Spicer type with needle-roller bearings.
A single shaft connects the rear axle and the gearbox. To accommodate fore and aft movement of the
axle, a sliding joint of the reverse-spline type is fitted between the gearbox and the front universal joint
flange. Each joint consists of a centre spider, four needle-roller bearing assemblies and two yokes.
G.1 LUBRICATING THE UNIVERSAL JOINTS
A lubricator is fitted to each front and rear spider and should be charged fully after overhauling and
subsequently given three or four strokes with the gun every 3,000 miles (5000 km.). The correct
lubricant is shown at Ref. C (page P.2).
If a large amount of lubricant exudes from the oil seal the joint should be dismantled and new oil seals
fitted.
The sliding joint is automatically lubricated from the gearbox.
Fig. G.1 Where to apply light blows to the yoke after removing the retaining circlip
G.2 TESTING FOR WEAR
Wear on the thrust faces is ascertained by testing the lift in the joint, either by hand or with the aid of a
length of wood suitably pivoted.
Any circumferential movement of the shaft relative to the flange yokes indicates wear in the needle-
roller bearings, or in the splined shaft in the case of the forward joint.
131
©2018 morrisgarages.ch