Houston we have a problem!

[Dave Fehrle]

While enjoying the fruits of my labor on all new rear suspension and driving every chance possible, I started to notice a clunking noise and difficulty keeping the car straight!  Immediately took it back to the garage and climbed under it and noticed this! See pic

Yikes! Either I didn’t tighten the nuts down enough or the bolts broke! So now its a new spherical joint install, at least its only the yolk that needs removal and not the whole transaxle!

[Dennis P. DiBari]

Hi Dave,

     Sorry about the joint.  Like you said, it looks like those bolts loosened and eventually broke under the strain.  Maybe you can use brass bolts, washers, and nuts.  Get the highest strength bolts you can find - check the grades for strength.  At least it is an easier fix this time around and you can get it with the car jacked up with horses.  Make sure the bolts used fit snug into the frame; without play.  Best of luck and let me know if you can.

Dennis DiBari

[Russ Austin]

Use grade 8 bolts with a lock washer and red loc tight.

[Jason Edge]

Yes, use Grade 8 bolts, lock washers and Nuts. Lowes and Home Depot usually have a good supply on their fastener aisle. Ace hardware should also have them. I of course have about every length and size imaginable both new and replated.  With a lock washer, lock tite or other thread locker should not be needed. 

[Dave Fehrle]

Finally had received the new rear spherical joint and time to replace it. Bought grade 8 bolts, nits and washers. Ended up taking yoke out, put on new joint and pressed on the rubber cover. Toghtened everything up and reinstalled yoke.
Took it for a drive and smooth driving, now worried it won’t last!  All good for now! 

[Dennis P. DiBari]

Hi Dave,

     Sent you two private emails about the joint.  Hope you received them.

Dennis DiBari