Weld driveshaft center bushing bracket?

[Exodus_2pt0]

Well I am getting a horrible vibration during acceleration.

When I put the new engine in I found that the center bearing bracket has seperated from the drive shaft. Is this common? I did some searching but could not find answers.

I am thinking about welding it slowly with a series of spots to keep the heat down. The bearing itself seems to be OK.

[AndrewBird]

The center support bearing should all be one piece. The metal bracket that bolts to the car is part of the bearing. If it is separated from the rubber, you need a new one. Make sure you pre-load the new on when you bolt it to the car. This is what the slots are for.

[jlevie]

You could try repairing the CSB, or even replacing it. But I'll bet that won't eliminate the vibration. In almost all cases a failure of the CSB is caused by binding u-joints in the drive shaft. The only real fix is a rebuilt drive shaft.

[JGood]

I think I know what you mean... the metal hoop has separated from the metal base, but the rubber and bearing are still good. That happened to me when I bought a cheap CSB. Get an OE CSB from BMW or try welding yours, as you said. If it fails again (whether it be the rubber, the bearing, or the metal frame separating again, then I'd go with what jlevie said and get a rebuilt driveshaft, or known-good used driveshaft if you're on a budget. You can usually feel when the u-joints are worn, they will feel notchy while moving them.

[Exodus_2pt0]

When I put in the motor I checked everything out and the u-joints seemed to be OK, no play and smooth. The Giubo will need to be replaced soon though.

I'm going to install a new tailshaft seal when I get some downtime in the shop this week, will have to try to weld the bracket too.

[scottinAZ]

New good quality CSB's arent that expensive (Email Blunt) and are likely to be better than a welded failed unit. Biggest issue I see with a repaired unit would be not getting it properly aligned, causing failure of the csb, and possibly wiping out your new guibo in the process.

[Exodus_2pt0]

I have had my reservations as well on weather or not it will be perfectly aligned.

I considered welding it as it rests on the bracket but that doesn't take into account drive train flex.

Meh, I'm cheap though, I will probably end up welding it and trying it for a while before I replace the Giubo. Worst case scenario, it doesn't last and I snag one from a junk yard.

[scottinAZ]

I have had my reservations as well on weather or not it will be perfectly aligned.

I considered welding it as it rests on the bracket but that doesn't take into account drive train flex.

Meh, I'm cheap though, I will probably end up welding it and trying it for a while before I replace the Giubo. Worst case scenario, it doesn't last and I snag one from a junk yard.

not worth the junkyard hassle, new is ~$30 bucks.

[JGood]

The fracture line where it broke is probably uneven enough that you can get it right back into the original position before welding. Might be hard to see while mounted in the car though.

not worth the junkyard hassle, new is ~$30 bucks.

+1, I couldn't imagine pulling a DS in a junkyard for a used CSB, paying $5-$10, then pulling the driveshaft in my own car and replacing the CSB with a used one. Plus, I don't know of an easy way to replace it without damaging it. You can't get a 3-jaw puller on the bearing without tearing the rubber.

Just get a new one and call it a day. $30....

[mitchlevy7]

you have the retaining clip on there?
http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?...22&hg=26&fg=10
number 10.
forgot it on mine. purpose is to keep the bearing from walking.