E36 drive shaft replacement

[tmann9]

I have a 1995 325is and have been told that the funny noise I am hearing is most likely from my U-joint and will need to be replaced. However, because BMW makes the U-Joint integral to the drive shaft I have to replace the whole thing. Has anyone done this before or know of a good D.I.Y on it?

[PhilipWOT]

I did it on my 325is to replace the guibo and driveshaft center support bushing. It wasn't too hard.

[vwvannut]

Yeah i doubt you need the entire shaft, the Guibo (rubber dampener between the tranny and driveshaft), and the center support bushing would probably fix the problem

[tmann9]

I had the guibo replaced as that was what the original diagnosis was but that has not helped.

[vwvannut]

have you checked the oil in your transmission and rear differential? Have you ruled out the CV joints? I think we need to properly diagnose the problem. Can you describe it?

[tmann9]

I took my car to a mechanic when I could not identify the problem. I assume that he checked the transmission and rear differential oil. However, I can check that this afternoon. The sound is difficult to describe but a knocking underneath the car is the best I can to. It occurs only when the clutch is engaged and picks up in speed as RPMs rise. Once in 5th gear the noise is less noticable. I have read that this could be attibuted to the u-joint as the torque is decreased in higher gears. When the clutch is disengaged and I am slowing down the noise slows down. During a quick stop the noise continues for a few seconds until it finally stops.

[98_328i]

I did it on my 325is to replace the guibo and driveshaft center support bushing. It wasn't too hard.

Yeah i doubt you need the entire shaft, the Guibo (rubber dampener between the tranny and driveshaft), and the center support bushing would probably fix the problem


THANK YOU!!! You have no idea how frustrating it is when you have someone ask for the carrier bearing when what they really need is a center supporting bearing for a driveshaft. I have no idea where these retards came up with the idea that a center support bearing is a carrier bearing but I want to shoot the person that started it.

[tmann9]

I realize this is an old thread but here is an update. I finally took my car to have the driveshaft replaced and it turns out that while it needed a new driveshaft the culprit was a bent tail shaft in my transmission. Cant find a used transmission so it looks like I will be trading it in or selling it.

[ronpapworth]

So was there just a noise or did you have any vibrations?

[PhilipWOT]

I realize this is an old thread but here is an update. I finally took my car to have the driveshaft replaced and it turns out that while it needed a new driveshaft the culprit was a bent tail shaft in my transmission. Cant find a used transmission so it looks like I will be trading it in or selling it.

Contact Strictly German in Braselton, Ga. Bobby will either have a new output shaft or a used tranny for a reasonable price for you.

(706) 654 9103

[tmann9]

So was there just a noise or did you have any vibrations?

Yes, the vibration was getting pretty bad towards the end and I finally took the car in when I started leaking fluid from the seals around the u-joint.

[ronpapworth]

So how does an output shaft get bent!?

[Birdcolonel]

Tmann9 I see your post is over a year old but I recently bought a 99 M3 conv with 42K original miles and when I got it (I am a dealer and I bought from a dealer in Miami) it had a vibration on acceleration. I have been in the automotive repair industry most of my life and taught automotive at Community college. My diagnosis was a bad universal joint. I removed the driveline and found that the rear universal was worn causing the vibration. I was surprised when I called my local parts (NAPA) and they told me the joint was not available. I then called my parts guy at the local dealer and he confirmed that it was not serviced and the only way to solve the problem was to buy and new shaft assembly for about $680 with my shop's discount. I went to our local driveline specialist shop and they have adapted a removable style of ujoint by remachining the yokes (the ends of the shafts). My old M3 has 147K and I have never had a problem with the driveline. My inspection determined that the joint was probably pushed in just a few thousandths of an inch too far when the joint was staked in production.

[tmann9]

Tmann9 I see your post is over a year old but I recently bought a 99 M3 conv with 42K original miles and when I got it (I am a dealer and I bought from a dealer in Miami) it had a vibration on acceleration. I have been in the automotive repair industry most of my life and taught automotive at Community college. My diagnosis was a bad universal joint. I removed the driveline and found that the rear universal was worn causing the vibration. I was surprised when I called my local parts (NAPA) and they told me the joint was not available. I then called my parts guy at the local dealer and he confirmed that it was not serviced and the only way to solve the problem was to buy and new shaft assembly for about $680 with my shop's discount. I went to our local driveline specialist shop and they have adapted a removable style of ujoint by remachining the yokes (the ends of the shafts). My old M3 has 147K and I have never had a problem with the driveline. My inspection determined that the joint was probably pushed in just a few thousandths of an inch too far when the joint was staked in production.

Yeah, from what my mechanic told me they do not replace many and figured it was something with the manufacturing process. Unfortunately, when I went to have mine replaced they told me my output shaft was bent and that I would need a new transmission as well. When they could not find one for less than 1200 I decided to trade my car in and am now no longer a BMW owner. I thought I could be satisfied with less but its not true!! I am now looking for a used convertible E30 or E36.