Here are just some of the many questions we get asked. If you have a different question please get in touch with us.
How do I maintain my universal joints?
Universal joints are usually the weakest part in a propshaft so it’s important that they are maintained to ensure longevity. You will find two types of universal joint: maintenance-free or suitable for re-lubrication.
With maintenance-free universal joints re-lubrication isn’t possible. These are sealed units that keep the grease from escaping. Joints that require re-lubrication will have greasing points located in the body or caps of the joint.
Once you’ve located your greasing points (or grease nipples), give it a clean and begin injecting the grease. Continue injecting grease until the old grease is purged out of all four bearing caps.
If you have any questions or need help with your universal joint maintenance, contact a member of our team on 01477 535960.
How often should I lubricate my universal joints?
With universal joints usually being the weakest point in a propshaft, it’s important that they are lubricated at regular intervals. There is no hard and fast rule with how regular these intervals should be. A lot depends on speed, running angles, environment, torque and maintenance history. Our advice is to check regularly by re-lubricating your universal joints until grease is exuded from all four bearing caps.
If you have any questions or need help with your universal joint maintenance, contact a member of our team on 01477 535960
Why is my propshaft vibrating?
In our experience, there are many factors that may be contributing to a propshaft vibration. Some of the things to look out for are:
If you have any questions about a propshaft vibration or would like us to take a look, please call on 01477 535960.
The bearings in my propshaft are noisy, what should I do?
Noisy bearings are usually a sign of a damaged or faulty part. Most commonly, the bearings are running dry (without grease) which can cause a “squeal” or “squeak”. Continuing to operate the noisy bearings will ultimately result in a failure of the unit.
If you have any concerns about any untoward noise coming from your propshaft, give us a call on 01477 535960.
Can my Mercedes Sprinter propshaft be repaired?
Usually, yes. Although most Mercedes Sprinter propshafts have “staked” universal joints (held in by crimping, not circlips), many units can be fitted with a new universal joint. There are exceptions so it’s always worth getting us to take a look over your unit first. One such exception is how much damage, if any, the universal joint failure has caused to the forging.
Replacement of centre support bearings is also a service we offer. Depending on how many failed components your propshaft contains, we may advise on a more economical solution. We will always aim to offer a repair unless it makes much more sense for our customer to have a new shaft.
Can my Mercedes Vito propshaft be repaired?
Usually, yes. Although most Mercedes Vito propshafts have “staked” universal joints (held in by crimping, not circlips), many units can be fitted with a new universal joint. There are exceptions so it’s always worth getting us to take a look over your unit first. One such exception is how much damage, if any, the universal joint failure has caused to the forging.
Replacement of centre support bearings is also a service we offer. Depending on how many failed components your propshaft contains, we may advise on a more economical solution. We will always aim to offer a repair unless it makes much more sense for our customer to have a new shaft.
Can my Ford Transit propshaft be repaired?
The short answer is yes. Most Ford Transit propshafts are configured of three pieces with two centre support bearings and four universal joints. Each centre support bearing and universal joint can be replaced and, as with any repair, the full shaft should be checked over. If multiple components need replacing, it may be more economical to fit a new shaft.
What does the repair process include?
Firstly, it’s important that when getting a shaft repaired that you provide your specialist with the full propshaft. Some propshafts can be split into two or three pieces and before repair work is undertaken, an assessment should be made of the shaft as a whole.
Once a full assessment is carried out, the repairs will be made to all components agreed to at the quotation stage. As standard, your specialist should check if your propshaft is out of balance as a result of the disrepair. If there is found to be an imbalance, the propshaft will then be balanced to eliminate any possible vibrations.
Once complete, the propshaft should be cleaned up and spray painted before being returned to the customer.
The above is based on our practices at Firow propshafts. If you have any questions about your repair process, please get in touch on 01477 535960.
Do repairs come with any warranty or guarantee?
Yes. All repairs conducted by Firow Propshafts comes with a 12-month warranty.
Can I fit universal joints myself?
Yes. Customers are welcome to purchase universal joints from Firow Propshafts for their own use. We generally recommend that propshaft repairs are carried out by a propshaft specialist, especially since some repairs require specialist equipment.
If you have any questions about universal joint repairs, get in touch on 01477 535960
Do propshafts really need balancing?
In our experience, all propshafts should be checked to see if they require balancing, especially if repair work has been carried out. If a propshaft is out of balance, it can cause premature wear and tear on the component parts and reduce the longevity of the shaft.
My vehicle is modified – how do I find a propshaft?
Many hobbyists, enthusiasts and vehicle modifiers undertaking work on their vehicles will end up needing a custom propshaft that is not a standard stock item. Usually because the chassis has been modified or the differential or gearbox has been moved, the propshaft may change in length. Also installing new components on your vehicle may mean your old propshaft doesn’t bolt up like it used to!
If you find yourself having this problem, Firow Propshafts can offer a custom propshaft solution. We can talk through your requirements and deliver a new propshaft that fits, and functions, as expected. Key things to let us know would be what gearbox and diff you are using, the required length of the propshaft and any vehicle data you have to hand.
If you have any questions about custom propshafts, call us on 01477 535960
What angle can my propshaft run at?
This is a very frequently asked question and the answer depends on a number of variables. Generally, in automotive applications you expect to see a propshaft running at a low angle of around 2-3°.
If you have a question concerning propshaft angles, the best thing you can do is speak to a specialist. Call us on 01477 535960.
TECHNICAL EXPERTISE
With over 100 years combined experience you can be assured the advice given will be precise and valuable.
LARGE STOCK LEVELS
As one of the largest stockholders of complete propshafts and component parts we can ensure you are operational in the shortest possible time while reducing additional shipping costs.
QUICK TURNAROUND
We offer a same day service ensuring you have minimal downtime and reduce the cost associated with replacement vehicles or plant.
TESTIMONIALS
What our customers are saying
A nationwide service, providing high quality propshafts and expert advice to both individuals and businesses.
On most truck drivelines you will find an intermediate propshaft and Scania trucks are no different. Sometimes referred to as the 'mid-shaft' or a 'centre bearing shaft', the intermediate propshaft is identified as the propshaft with a centre support bearing.
In week 10, we took a quick look at our first propshaft centre bearing of the series. We covered the main components of a centre bearing and how they operate within a propshaft.
Universal Joints are a common sight when it comes to Propshafts and are easily identifiable by many people in the automotive trade. However, if you’re someone who has limited experience with Propshafts, let alone the individual components, sometimes it can feel like you’re fumbling around in the dark.
Volkswagen’s mid-size luxury SUV, the Volkswagen Touareg, has been produced since 2002 and its popularity seems to suggest it’s following the sales trend for SUVs across Europe.
Scania Interaxle Propshafts (or “Bogie Propshafts”) are found on Scania tippers between the two back driven axles. It is quite common for these to fail due to the amount of stress they are under, so we quite often see these props in pretty bad shape.
Unit 2, Manor Lane Business Park, Manor Lane, Holmes Chapel, Cheshire CW4 8AG
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