driveshaft center support?

[Est88]

ive got a 89 e30 m20 5 speed. for some odd reason i keep breaking the center support bearing. anyone have an answer for why this keeps happening?

[E30_fiend]

your driveshaft u-joints are shot. You will replace 100 center bearings and still have the problem. You'll need either a known good driveshaft or a brand new rebuilt one. If you decide to get one built for you, get them to install servicable u-joints. The factory bmw u-joints arent servicable.




Taylor

[Est88]

yeah thats what i was thinking it was. the guy that owned the car before me is a master mechanic at a bmw dealership. the u-joints have been replaced once before. thanks for the input.

[Sirotto]

I highly doubt that the u joints were ever replaced. They are what is called a staked in u-joint, they can not be changed without serious equipment. The stealership willnot change them and many driveline shops will not either. This si also why so many toyta guys switch to custom shafts for there off road amchines. If you can not find one local, ship it to INDY RACK & AXLE in Indinapolis Indiana. They did mine and it is perfect. 215 got new joints plus a balance and paint.

[yellowducman]

The u joint design that BMW used on the E30 was a stupid design. I don't know why they didn't make the U Joints replaceable. I'm sure it had to do with the cost of manufacturing though.

[ForcedFirebird]

I had the same issue in my car. Put in a new driveshaft and it happened again! Check your subframe bushings, if the subframe is moving, it will eat up guibos and center bearings.