Dumb center driveshaft support question

[roadrage]

Which side faces the front of the car? The original one doesnt look like the new one, so im not sure if it makes a difference.

[Brian 89 325i]

im pretty sure there is an arrow or a mark on it. At least there was on mine, i think?

Brian

[roadrage]

not on the one i have, ive looked and looked again

[kowalski]

if it doesn't look the same and its not the same then its probably the wrong one...

[roadrage]

The part is fine, the rubber surround is different. Someone here has installed one of these before I am sure. I just want to know before I take it to have it pressed on.

[Brian 89 325i]

pressed on? I didnt have to press on mine when i did it (multiple times)
Do you have a bently manual?

Brian

[roadrage]

no, no bently manual. You never had to press on your center support bearing? Im not talking about unbolting it from the car. These are definitly press on parts, thats how center support bearings work.

[Nick325is]

Can you just replace the rubber part of the bearing?

Nick

[roadrage]

yes, the bearing and rubber surround are 2 seperate pieces. My old one was torn to shreds, so it all needs replaced.

All i need to know is which way the thing should face, no one here knows?

[BS87]

I'f you need me to, i'll look tomorrow on the one for my 5 speed. The braket has a shorter side, so i'll give you an orientation point.

[roadrage]

Thanks for the offer, i found this schematic, so I got it covered now.

[Jared K]

The part is fine, the rubber surround is different. Someone here has installed one of these before I am sure. I just want to know before I take it to have it pressed on.

I put my center bearing in the oven with the temp set to "low" for 15 min to expand the metal. Then I pulled it out, ran to the garage and slammed it into place on the driveshaft before it cooled down. I slammed it into place as hard and as fast as I could because I didn't want it to contract before it was seated. You only get one shot. So, really, there's no need for a press...

For the orientation, check on which side of the old mount the bearing is inserted. Then, line up the new one the same way.

Jared

[Chris325/325i]

I used a piece of PVC pipe that was the correct inside diameter to slide over the driveshaft and fit on the inner race of the bearing, then just carefully tapped it into place. The center bearing is not pressed on with thousands of pounds of force, you should be able to get it on easily. Just remember when tapping or pressing a bearing, always push on the INNER bearing race.

[benDASHDASH]

yes, the bearing and rubber surround are 2 seperate pieces. My old one was torn to shreds, so it all needs replaced.

All i need to know is which way the thing should face, no one here knows?

Did it look like this? 8) I replaced mine last weekend. I ended up just swapping driveshafts with my beater (which happened to have a new center support) because my U joints were STIFF. I believe those U joints were part of the reason for the center support failure. While you're down there you should check it out.

[roadrage]

Did it look like this? 8)

Yep,. looked exactly like that :shock:

The u joints on mine are in good shape, I was going to have them replaced just to be sure, but the guys at the DS place said they were fine.

TOmorrow will be the first time I get to drive the car since I bought it (except for the 4th gear only trip home). I hope this thing is as fun as I keep hearing you all say