Just came in from the garage. My life is still passing in front of my eyes.

I finally got the half-shaft out of the Corvette in preparation for installing new u-joints. I knew the car had a slight clunk before I agreed to purchase it. When I arrived in Pensacola to pick it up, I discovered, as the owner had told me, the noise wasn't especially loud. No problem said I.

I pulled out one of the two u-joints and discovered there were no needle bearings left! What remained was just the cap and the spider -- with a whole lot of space left in between. I have no idea why that thing didn't let go on my 900 mile trip back home, but I'm now a more religious person! I sure am glad I decided to tackle this job first.

Hey John, whatever you're doing,keep on doing it, That was a lucky drive. I agree with the red statement!

Joel

wow...very very lucky man!

I'm happy for you that it worked out the way it did.

Here is a picture of one cap -- with hunks missing -- and the spider. I didn't know that the bearing surfaces on spiders were tapered.
<-- That's me hitting me. Think I'll be a litle more careful from now on! The moral of this story is don't ignore the small noise; it might just be able to take a big bite. As you have all noted, I was really lucky.

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DAM LUCKY THAT COULD HAVE BEEN EXPENSIVE DUDE :thumbright:

Put a little grease in it and stick it back together. It'll be fine.

It's a good thing you didn't turn off the ASR and try a few donuts on the way home.

Hows that for lack of maintenance!! How could you treat a Vette like that! Lucky you rescued the bloody thing.Now at least it belongs to some1 who,ll look after it better.