engine and drivetrain Driveshaft Notchy On One Axis

[austinmf]

Pulled my driveshaft today as I can see light through the center bearing rubber and I am replacing the bearing.

 

Got the driveshaft marked and ready to pop the 24mm nut and tested the shaft.  All the bearing are smooth except one that connects to the differential.

 

It is notchy dead center and nowhere else, was thinking I could rotate the bearing 180 degrees but that doesnt work.

 

I since three out of four seem fine, what is my downside?  

 

There is a driveshaft specialist shop in San Antonio but guessing all would need to be replaced and the shaft rebalanced.

[M3M3]

u-joint starting to go.  it will work fine for a long time still.

[vinceinIL]

Yep, u-joint starting to go.  You may feel some vibrations in the seat of your pants, and it's not a bad idea to have it rebuilt if you're going to take the car on any long trips.

 

vince

[TobyB]

If it's just notchy and not crunchy, it'll last a good while longer.  When it gets crunchy,

then it's about done.  

 

heh

 

t

[austinmf]

Thank you guys!  You guys rock. It's just notchy in one spot. I am going to run it a little while longer and send it to Ireland Engineering for a rebuild as they support the board.

I am planning several 275 mile trips

Edited August 26, 2013 by austinmf

[c.d.iesel]

replace all the u-joints while you have it off

 

It's the prudent thing to do.

[austinmf]

I know I should.... I could hear CD saying to replace them all in the back of my mind...

 

Took me 20 minutes to drop the shaft, will have to wait till Santa brings me one...

 

Thank you all for an amazingly supportive board.  I could not do this without all of you!

[M3M3]

if it is any consolation...the driveshaft in my 325e is not just notchy..it has visible slop in one of the u-joints.  been that way for the last 32,000 miles i have been driving it....

 

i know, i know...i need to replace it....one of these days....

[austinmf]

I have dumped a ton of money into the car.... momma is NOT happy...  the kids need new shoes...

 

Just scored a 1983 BMW 320IS.... guess I will use the money I make parting it out on a new driveshaft!  

[TobyB]

no, really, don't sweat it.  It'll give you LOTS of warning before anything remotely bad happens.

 

There are things to worry about, and then there's this.

 

t