DRIVE SHAFT RUBBER COUPLINGS

Early manual models have a rubber coupling with 'U' bolts at the inboard end of the drive shafts. These coupling are prone to deterioration through age and contamination by oil and should be renewed if they show any signs of movement between the two 'X' members. If left too long, excessive movement in the coupling will eventually allow it to contact the transmission casing, causing damage to both the casing and the joint 'U' bolts. Replacement 1. Jack up the front of the car and support on stands, then remove the road wheel. 2. Disconnect the upper and lower swivel joint from their respective suspension arms, using a suitable joint separator tool. 3. Remove the 'U' bolts and nuts securing the rubber coupling to the drive shaft and final drive unit flanges. 4. Press or lever down on the lower suspension arm and tie rod to disengage the lower swivel joint from the arm, then pull the swivel hub down to disengage the upper swivel joint. 5. Pull the swivel hub assembly outwards sufficiently to allow the rubber coupling to be removed. 6. Support the swivel hub assembly until it is refitted, to avoid straining the brake hose. 7. Before fitting the new coupling, check that the bolts will fit easily in their respective locations in the drive flanges. It may be necessary to squeeze the threaded ends together in the jaws of a vice to close them up slightly until they are in alignment. Use new self-locking nuts at the 'U' bolts. 8. Fit the coupling to the final drive flange first, then refit the swivel hub assembly to the suspension arms, at the same time engaging the drive shaft flange with the coupling. Tighten the 'U' bolt nuts equally until approximately 1/16 in (1.6 mm) of thread protrudes beyond the nuts. 9. Tighten the swivel hub joint nuts to 33 lb ft (4.6 kg in).