GO FISHING, use SLABSAUCE Fishing Attractant
Results 1 to 6 of 6

Thread: Drive-Shaft Question

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Location
    Agoura Hills, California
    Posts
    176

    Default Drive-Shaft Question

    My main question is: How do you know if a drive shaft is bad? What actually goes bad on it? Can it be rebuilt? Cost?

    I have replaced the centering bearing twice in about 6 months. Yes, I did correctly pre load it. I measured it out and everything. The guobo has been replaced in the last 6 months as well.

    I am experiencing a pretty vibration throughout the vehicle, in gear or out of gear. Ive checked to see if everything is tight (it was), but I didnt check the centering bearing again. Could a bad driveshaft be ruining the centering bearing over and over again?

    I dont think its the tranny (5 speed), because the vibration (sound as well - w0w0w0w0w0w) does not go away regardless of if Im rolling in neutral, going 80+ on the freeway or driving streets.

    As im accelerating it almost feels like a wheel shimmy sometimes (happens in third gear around 3-4 rpms). Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated
    1990 BMW 525i m20 SOHC 5-speed 140k miles, black on black, stoc
    http://www.born-today.com/Today/pix/tyson_m.jpg

    MAN WHAT?!?!...


    Everyone has to go on U-Tube and watch mike tyson interview

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    bay city michigan
    Posts
    246

    Default

    I had to replace a drive shaft with rebuilt one because U joint was no good and they are pressed on. Rebuilt shaft was 175.00 and had center bearing on it. Not sure if that is your problem but its possible.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Location
    Agoura Hills, California
    Posts
    176

    Default

    How can you tell though, from a visual inspection that the driveshaft is bad?

    Do you feel it in the driving when the driveshaft has a problem?

    How is it diagnosed?

    What does it look like when the U joint is bad?

    Thanx
    1990 BMW 525i m20 SOHC 5-speed 140k miles, black on black, stoc
    http://www.born-today.com/Today/pix/tyson_m.jpg

    MAN WHAT?!?!...


    Everyone has to go on U-Tube and watch mike tyson interview

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Phoenix
    Posts
    140

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by ber55ber55 View Post
    How can you tell though, from a visual inspection that the driveshaft is bad?

    Do you feel it in the driving when the driveshaft has a problem?

    How is it diagnosed?

    What does it look like when the U joint is bad?

    Thanx
    If the U joints are worn or bad you will see and or feel movement in them by hand. If there really bad you will see the U joint move inside the end caps. Its not hard to tell if they are worn. No side to side play up and down nothing.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    Dayton Ohio
    Posts
    1,483

    Default

    I just replaced the driveshaft on my sons 7. Once the center bearing is loose you can tell very easily if any of the bearing are toast. I the case of the 91 735i we had to replace the entire driveshaft because there are no replacement bearings available. Shaft came with center bearing...$400.00 USD

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
    Posts
    3,395

    Default

    The U joints get "notchy" and if totally neglected will seize up. The CV, on those so equipped, can lose its grease and die as well.

    The center support failure could be because of an inferior replacement part, or because one of the joints is bad and putting undue stress on it....

Similar Threads

  1. drive shaft!
    By E34turbo in forum 5 Series BMW
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 11-04-2007, 10:34 PM
  2. question about drive shaft
    By bmw210 in forum 5 Series BMW
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 04-04-2006, 03:05 PM
  3. 535iM drive shaft question
    By grave77 in forum 5 Series BMW
    Replies: 11
    Last Post: 12-01-2005, 06:23 AM
  4. Vibration from drive shaft
    By newlano in forum 5 Series BMW
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 06-16-2004, 01:02 AM
  5. drive shaft adaptation
    By Mike in forum 5 Series BMW
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 02-15-2004, 12:42 AM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •