🚀 go-pugleaf

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I have occasionally found that U-joints look fine upon inspection
, but can never the less be kaput. (brilliant statement). What is
required, is to torque the suspect joint quite firmly, and look
for any movement of the cross-piece in the bearing cup.
If only one end of the cross has a failing bearing, it is possible
that to a non-strong-arm inspection, all will appear well.
Obviously under accelleration (or strong engine braking), the torque
on these units is considerable, and so should it be when you
are snooping for a bad U-joint. Perhaps a helper with a wrench
on the front crankshaft pulley bolt, 1st gear, and the handbrake set
will reveal something.
	It is also possible that the higher torque multiplication
in the lower gears, causes the drive line to twist in its mounts
enough for some thing to touch where it could make a noise
(ie.the exhaust system). This might point to weakening engine or
driveline mounts, or an improperly positioned exhaust system.
	Maybe this would also be revealed by winding-up the driveline
with a wrench, as described.