drive shaft replacenment

coupelady

coupelady

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I have been experiencing a shudder/vibrations at low speeds. I was in a pinch (away from our home) so went to a dealer knowing that they really prefer to work on never models. The quoted price for a new one is over 1,000. (they are available). Second thing is that I have a 5 speed so I believe I remember that the drive shaft was shortened from a 5 series. A CS part would not work in this instance so I am better off going to the independent who has been maintaining the car and much better versed in our older CS. Has anyone experienced this vibration and had to replace their drive shaft? We were hoping it was the guibo but NO!

Amy Lester
 
I'd take it to a driveline shop. When I had mine shortened, the shop also replaced all the U-joints with Nissan U-joints (making them serviceable in the future). They of course balance it as well. Much, much less expensive than a new driveshaft, and just as good.
 
drive shaft replacement

So what actually will wear out in a drive shaft? I found my notes from Carl Nelson about this swap (4 speed to 5) using a 528i. (He didn't do the actual swap a shop in Atlanta did) This was shortened I remember before being put in.
 
A rebuilt driveshaft is around $450in Socal last time I checked and comes with new u-joints and center bearing, can't beat that value.
 
coupelady said:
So what actually will wear out in a drive shaft?
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Yes, that is the key question. In my opinion, there isn't anything to wear out on a driveshaft; the wear items are the U joints, which are replacable.

Oh, you may have hit an obstacle which impacted and bent the driveshaft. Or one of the welded-on balancing weights has come off. That sort of problem would cause it to vibrate. But, I wouldn't call it "wear".

As Chris wrote, there are driveline repair shops who should be able to diagnose and repair the shaft that you have. Given that it has been shortened to accommodate the 5-speed, I doubt BMW could supply a new replacement.
 
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drive shaft replacement

Great info! I like the idea that it can be R & R'd rather than replaced. Didn't think that the first stop (dealership) would be able to fix the problem. It is good to get a second opinion as well.
 
Stevehose said:
Did they check the center support bearing? Symptoms sound like it.
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I'd still be suspicious of the center bearing like Steve says.
Who checked it and how?
I might even consider replacing it before I would spend $$$.

BMW wants $200 for a bearing.
As an example Pelican wants $23.00
Not saying this is the best but with a little looking you could probably find a bearing for less than $50. Pay $75 to replace.
Even if this doesn't fix it you will want a new bearing with a rebuilt or repaired driveshaft. So only the install cost.
Just saying.............
Gary
 
Where you located? I replaced my CS bearing in about an hour in a half. I could take a look under the car if you are in LA
 
reminder: there is the "guibo" which is the rubber piece that connects the tranny and the driveshaft and the center bearing which is between the two driveshaft sections halfway along, either of these can wear out, dry up, crack etc and cause the symptom you describe.

I had a guibo that looked fine from the outside but when I took it off it crumbled.

I thought worn u-joints tend to knock/clunk when accelerating but not sure.
 
Stevehose said:
reminder: there is the "guibo" which is the rubber piece that connects the tranny and the driveshaft and the center bearing which is between the two driveshaft sections halfway along, either of these can wear out, dry up, crack etc and cause the symptom you describe.

I had a guibo that looked fine from the outside but when I took it off it crumbled.

I thought worn u-joints tend to knock/clunk when accelerating but not sure.
Click to expand...

i have also had this problem on 2002's ... the guibo looked solid, but the steel sleeves weren't supported, i found it by finding that the bolts weren't parallel to the driveshaft.
 
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