Help!! Driveshaft removal with exhaust in place!!

[Camoflash]

Hey all,
Well first off i have 89 325is with harmonic balancer on the shaft. I need to replace my CSB and guibo and am having trouble. I removed the cat-back but didnt dare touch my rusted manifold bolts they will most likely break even though drenched in PB blaster.

Ok so heres the case. I was able to remove the heat shield and see the shaft. I unbolted the guibo from the tranny and slid it back to where the splines on the back half were completely sucked in. The front half of the shaft wants to come out but theres not enough room. Does anyone have any tips for me? I could really use them. I tried the search with no avail.
Thanks

[87Blue325iC]

Suck it up and remove the manifold. I did it on an '87 after letting the bolts soak for a day.

[jlevie]

If the rubber mount of the CSB is torn, you need to also replace the drive shaft as in almost all cases a failure of the CSB will be due to binding u-joints in the drive shaft.

[BakesE30]

You can remove the drive shaft with the exhaust still hanging down, but its going to be a PITA to do with the harmonic balancer on. Do yourself a favor and just take it off from the manifold, it will make it much easier. Trash the balancer while your at it.

[Camoflash]

87Blue325iC- I dont know about that one. The manifold is so unbelievably rusted that i will break something for sure and hate life! Ive heard of people removing the front half of the driveshaft without taking out the complete exhaust. If anything i might whip out the ol sawzall and cut right before the cats and just reweld?


Jlevie- The CSB failed at the metal outside ring which encases the bearing and rubber. Ackward kindof.

BakesE30- Are there any cons to trashing the balancer? I mean bmw put it on there for a reason??


I really need some input. How long is the pin that exits from the transmission output flange? I have the front half of the driveshaft sliding back a good 1/2 to 3/4 inches with the middle spline pushed all the way in.

[Adrian_Visser]

Don't be so scared just pull those manifolds it will make life alot easier for you, if you soak them in penetrant for a day or two and then heat them up with a torch real good you won't have a problem. Remove the bolts holding the back of the driveshaft onto the diff. first then you can drop it down and slide the shaft out, it ain't that hard. That cracked hoop on the Csb is caused by the u-joints on the driveshaft seizing up jus tlike jlevie says, you need to replace the whole driveshaft.

[87Blue325iC]

Are there any cons to trashing the balancer? I mean bmw put it on there for a reason??

I left mine off when putting my car back together - haven't noticed a difference or any problems.