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Driveshaft/Vibration problems...

Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2015 7:51 pm
by philipj
Yet another issue... :x recently took my car to a local BMW specialist to install a new guibo and center bearing, all OEM and very expensive from BMW..

The car has a 5 speed, with an automatic transmission drive shaft. Before going to the shop, despite the appearance (cracks) the car had no vibration whatsoever-but curiously it was set up with a thinner guibo (for automatic vehicles) and spacers as in some M535i's...

Now after a second trip to the shop and their reply, you have bad tires- which they balanced for a bargain $80 bucks, the car is just as bad!

The vibration starts around 70 KM/H and lessens at 90 KM/H when it almost goes away around 100 KM/H..

I really don't feel like throwing any more money their way... Will have to find another shop and pay again for someone else's bad work, or convince them to fix the problem/give me the vehicle in the same condition as before, especially after paying almost $400- for what should be a relatively simple job...

BTW. How do you preload a center bearing? Trying to tackle the issue myself if I can find a lift for rent.. Any advise welcome.
Thank you.
Regards,
Philip.

Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2015 10:27 am
by CabbageFumes
Are you able to get under it and verify that they lined up the balance marks on both halves of the shaft?
Things to confirm:
1- ^that.
2- Make sure that the rear half flange is perfectly flat against the final drive flange. It sounds like a no-brainer, but I finally diagnosed a vibration like you describe as the rear flanges not being fully seated to each other. I knew there was a problem when I could spin the rear wheels and I could see a very slight wobble at the rear U-joint. It was tight, but after removing the bolts and turning it 90 degrees, it seated much easier and the problem went away.

The center support pre-load is recommended as putting pressure towards the front of the car, enough to move the bearing flange about 4mm from it's resting position.

Driveshaft/Vibration problems...

Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2015 6:44 pm
by philipj
1- Balance marks? Did not know BMW marked their drive shafts.. I so happen to have a spare M535i drive shaft that needs U joints.. If you give me an idea what they look like I can have a look.. Tell the shop..

2- Rear half flange from the drive shaft against the rear end.. I would imagine you could not bolt that on if it wasn't seated properly.. I will certainly try moving it 90 degrees...

Thank you. I surely hope this works.. Need to find alignment marks and turn shaft 90 degrees. It is enough to drive you mad! You would think a reputable BMW shop should know that...

Will also move center bearing 4mm from its resting position...