Center Bearing?!?!

[7thDimension]

So I have a nasty knocking noise coming from under the armrest during hard acceleration. My car has 270k miles... And I'm dropping the tranny to replace the tc. So, upon looking at the driveshaft, I came across this:

http://i48.tinypic.com/66g6ye.jpg

http://i46.tinypic.com/2vbmyoi.jpg

I grabbed the driveshaft at either side of the u joints and I couldn't find any play. So if I replace the center bearing I should be ok, right?




Also, I'm having issues with dropping the exhaust. All the mounts/hangers and bolts are removed but the flange where it connects to the manifold won't separate, I tried heating it up and adding lubricant to no avail, any ideas? Thanks everybody.

http://i46.tinypic.com/2l493r.jpg

[meteck]

Yup, bad center support bearing. I have no real help for the exhaust but a big hammer and patience. :)

[7thDimension]

I just ordered a new csb for $25... That damn exhaust is frustrating, I only broke five studs...

[7thDimension]

Does anyone have a picture of the manifold with the exhaust disconnected? I can't figure out why it won't seperate... Also, can I grease the u joints? I don't feel any play, but I'm sure they could use it with almost 300k miles...

[noodlesandsam]

As Long as all the nuts are out, a pry bar should get you the rest of the way. Are you disconnected at the center and rear?

[7thDimension]

Yep, exhaust is just hanging there. Also, what causes the csb to fail, the rubber is completely missing on mine, and the driveshaft feels and looks fine... The bearing looks fine to, it's just the rubber.

[Dylans3960ccs]

In the e30 world, the drive shaft guibo is what causes the center support bearing to fail. So replace the drive shaft guibo with the center support bearing other wise you will be replacing the center support bearing again in the near future.

[7thDimension]

Thanks, the guibo is practically falling apart, so I'll replace that to and I should be good to go.

I'm still having a hell of a time getting the exhaust out... I tried a pry bar but I don't want to break the manifold. I just don't know whats holding it together at this point.