1957 Cadillac Drive shaft universal replacement

[Bill Balkie 24172]

I want to replace the 3 universals joints in my 1957 cadillac seville . I am really not sure if they need replacing , but i do have a slight  rytham like vibration around 50 miles per hour .  i purchased the universals and have them in my possesion . My question is do i need a specalty shop to do this ,or should any good transmission shop be able to handle this job . i try to do all the work on my car myself , but i just don't want to jack it up and spend alot of time under the car this time .  Thanks Bill

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

G'day Bill,

You don't have to spend much time under your car when doing Universal replacement.

You only need to jack it up, remove the tailshaft as a unit, and then do all the work on the bench, then put it back in the car.

The three universals are easy to replace, and you don't need any special tools.   Just a pair of circlip pliers to get the circlips out, a big hammer to carefully knock the uni cups out and a big vice to press the cups into place.

But, whilst it is out, check the condition of the centre bearing, and its' carrier.   If it is bad, you will need to replace that as well.   I made up the spanner out if 1/2" steel and the square hole fits the standard tools

Bruce.

[John Shumate #21509]

Bill
The universals may or may not be the answer. Look up topic "57-62 Mystery Vibration" if the vibration persists. This is a common problem.
John Shumate

[Bill Balkie 24172]

Hello Bruce , Thanks for the response , you might of talked me into it , as i am a toolmaker by trade . I just dont like the idea of working under the car . I will let you know how i make out . By the way is the carrier bearing hard to replace and are they available ? Thanks bill

G'day Bill,

You don't have to spend much time under your car when doing Universal replacement.

You only need to jack it up, remove the tailshaft as a unit, and then do all the work on the bench, then put it back in the car.

The three universals are easy to replace, and you don't need any special tools.   Just a pair of circlip pliers to get the circlips out, a big hammer to carefully knock the uni cups out and a big vice to press the cups into place.

But, whilst it is out, check the condition of the centre bearing, and its' carrier.   If it is bad, you will need to replace that as well.   I made up the spanner out if 1/2" steel and the square hole fits the standard tools

Bruce.

[Bill Balkie 24172]

Hello john , Thanks for the response .  I do not think the universals were ever replaced in my car so i think it is time to change them . Also the carrier bearing . However the vibration does bother me . I noticed you have a great looking 58 .John have you had the vibration problem as well ?  Mine starts around 45 to 50 miles per hour .  i will let you know how i make out . Thanks Again Bill

Bill
The universals may or may not be the answer. Look up topic "57-62 Mystery Vibration" if the vibration persists. This is a common problem.
John Shumate

[John Shumate #21509]

Bill
I have not gotten rid of my vibration. Mine is harmonic in the 50-60 MPH range.
Easiest way to do the joints is to pull the shaft and take it to a driveshaft shop, where they can balance the shaft.
If the carrier bearing requires removal, be careful not to harm the rubber bushing in which it sits. The part has no replacement. Its housing is spot welded together. Drill all the spot welds and carefully separate the pieces. Reassemble with bolts.
John