The four bolt shanks are what locates the flange faces together, ensuring
they are centered to each other. Going with a non-spec bolt that has a
smaller shank will allow the flange faces to not be centered, increasing the
likelihood of vibrations. If the bolts your car currently has are
undersized, then going with larger diameter bolts would be a good idea. Not
all previous owners used the correct bolts when putting their cars back
together again.
As the other poster mentioned, the smooth shank of the bolts should almost
protrude from the joined flange faces. You do not want threads down into
the joint as that is a weaker connection. Things won't move once the nuts
are tightened, but the bolts will be more likely to break in use. True,
it's unlikely to happen, but it's not something I'd intentionally court.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Paul-Ernest Levesque" <pelevesque@globetrotter.net>
Subject: U-Joint bolts
> I have install new U-Joint bolts on drive shaft and wheels axles,and old
> bolts have a 5/16 length shanks (read no thread) I am wandering if I
> should
> remove them and replace them with bolts that have a length of 5/16 shank.
> Both flanges have a shoulder so it can move sideway, and the diameter of
> the
> bolt shank part is one thousands and half inches larger. Is it that
> critical
> I an in doubt? What do you think?
> Paul
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