u-joint replacement

[kenmataya]

i'm getting a "tika tika tika" noise from under the car when i let up on the gas - i'm guessing bad u-joints, any other suggestions?

thanks,
Ken

[azruss]

usually a bad u-joint will shudder when you first engage the clutch. not sure what that noise would be.

[RRoller123]

Probably the exhaust system is just barely contacting the frame, etc somewhere along its length. Might want to check the hangers, cat, etc. I had this same issue with my 79 X1/9. The engine shifts slightly as torque is removed, exhaust system moves along with it and if all is not prefectly in place, it can make vibration noises. Might want to check the engine mounts for tightness too. Mine were very loose when I bought the car. Few "normal" (not us ) owners have these checked.

[kenmataya]

hmm, forgot to mention its a 72, so no cat. I'll check the exhaust but I think i'll probably replace the u-joints anyway, i've had the car for 10 years so they're at least that old! i remember replacing them on my 72 coupe 35 years ago, they were pretty thrashed and that car was only 8 years old!

[vandor]

If you replace the u-joints you might aswell replace the carrier, as you have to undo the front u-joint to get to it. And since you have the driveshaft out, you might aswell replace the flexdisc...
A certain vendors carries a kit with all these parts in it