about to install a new u joint.... any advice?

[scobaru]

the u joint at the diff is bad, REALLY bad with out a doubt bad lol. I'm picking up a new u joint and I've seen a few installed so I have a general Idea of how its done but never done one.

anyone else done a bmw u joint?

[jlevie]

U-joints on a BMW drive shaft aren't field replaceable items. The u-joint carriers require machining before the bearing cups can be removed. Unlike other makes the bearing cups are staked or welded in rather than being held in with snap rings.

[StereoInstaller1]

My suggestion? Find a decent used driveshaft. Roll the U-joint with your hands. If you feel ANY slop or "jerkiness", find another unless you really like swapping driveshafts.

Buy a NEW center support bearing and "Guibo", unless yours has less than 10,000 miles on it. A bad U-joint will kill both guibo and CSB is a hurry.

Fun stuff man...get on with it!

Luke

[153624]

I don't want to clutter up the boards with the same info, so I will ask here:

I get a clang/clunk from the center joint/bearing area when letting off of the accelerator. If you take the rear wheels and turn them back and forth it makes the same sound. Appears to be the center u-joint.

If I need to replace this, I certainly am not getting the whole shaft rebuilt. I have plenty of tools and a welder. Is there a DIY somewhere?

Thanks

[StereoInstaller1]

I don't want to clutter up the boards with the same info, so I will ask here:

I get a clang/clunk from the center joint/bearing area when letting off of the accelerator. If you take the rear wheels and turn them back and forth it makes the same sound. Appears to be the center u-joint.

If I need to replace this, I certainly am not getting the whole shaft rebuilt. I have plenty of tools and a welder. Is there a DIY somewhere?

Thanks

Man...if you are successful, post it up here.

Portland driveline charges like $500 to rebuild a driveshaft! A new one is about $600 at the dealer.

[153624]

Man...if you are successful, post it up here.

Portland driveline charges like $500 to rebuild a driveshaft! A new one is about $600 at the dealer.

I already rebuild Jeep transfer cases, Is there a need for rebuilding shafts?
Gonna have to find a balancer....:idea:

Does anyone make aluminum driveshafts?

Maybe I will.....

[StereoInstaller1]

Yes, I believe there is. The problem is that with BMW having made 2.2 million E30s, the parts are still readily available...and we is poor folk.

Got any cores? Chop on up and see what you can do.

Luke

[scobaru]

I'll have a spare driveshalf soon lol one with a much needed U joint