VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 Torque Tube & U Joint Servicing

My 31 Coach needs torque tube and U joint seals and bushings to stop some oil drips. I have no experience with this project but do have the Filling Station's technical papers. How is the torque tube properly removed from the car? Do the transmission or rear end need to be supported when taking out the tube? How many bushings and seals are in the tube? Is this a one man project?

Thanks for your advice.

John Chandler

Hello Johns31,
From what I read, it appears that the torque tube and front half of rear differential housing are connected. I don't see how they separate from each other. If that is so, you may just want to do the work with the tube still attached to the car. One man should be able to do the work. The torque tube should be supported when disconnecting the u-joint. The tube should have one bushing and the torque tube ball should have a seal kit. The Filling Station has articles discussing these items. See 'Torque Tube Bushing Replacement' article for how to. Search for the procedure on replacing the u-joint ball seals and lube advice. Of course having a lift or up on ramps would be nice for this work. Others having done this work should be able to give advice to you.

FYI, when you jack up the rear of the car, have the jack stands support the chassis, not the rear axle. This will allow the rear end to hang lower and give you more separation (room to work) in the u joint area.

Cheers, Dean