Re: [alfa] driveshaft vibrations/looseness

[Caxambu <caxambu@xxxxxxxxxx>]

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the second vibration, most noticeable when pulling up to a stop. A real
low-speed shudder/judder tooth-rattler, this one needs to go first.
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This I have experienced before with worn u-joints (which you said you 
just replaced-- sorry) altho could make the noise also somewhat on 
takeoff. It's probably worse with worn tranny mount and rear axle 
mounting bushings. If the u-joints are really shot (dust inside one or 
more cups) it also makes a kind of hollow scrapey-whooshy sound at light 
throttle or coasting in neutral. This was how my Spider was when I 
bought it (used). I was young and knew something was probably wrong. Was 
amazed at how it quieted down and smoothed out with new u-joints. Thank 
you Santo!

Pertinent question: Who replaced the u-joints and what brand are they? I 
have heard you cannot always detect bad u-joints by checking for play 
while installed in the car. Also, it matters about the placement of the 
springs in some of the cups. And while the Alfa 105 driveshaft is not 
such an advanced technical item, the driveshaft "ears" can easily bend 
if not using care with the correct tools. Finally, check the orientation 
of the front piece (forget name) that slides over the splined shaft-- 
there are faint matchup marks that are easily missed.

I did replace the flex coupling because of heavy cracking/chunking of 
the rubber but forget if it was making any noise or vibration.

More recently I removed the driveshaft and took it to a recommended 
local truck driveline shop for rebuild-- it came back vibrating at ~70 
MPH. Not a hum as you describe but a noticeable vibration that could be 
felt & seen especially on the gearshift. They couldn't get it right on 
the first return, then I gave up on them and lucked out with the first 
or second placement of a simple hose clamp. Wes Ingram now ships his out 
for rebuild in a PVC tube to a guy in (Oregon?) who is supposed to do a 
great job. When comes time for another driveshaft rebuild will probably 
do that.

--Caxambu
1969 Spider Veloce 1750
Seattle WA
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