While working on the shifter linkage I noticed that the universal joint at the end of the driveshaft before the differential is completely shot. Is it possible to replace these or do I need an entirely new driveshaft? The only information I've found is that they don't seem to be replaceable. Surely I could take it to a shop to have the u joint replaced?
Short answer: NO
This isn't a Jeep, and those u-joints are permanently pressed in. There are several companies out there that can rebuild your driveshaft for you, or send you a replacement for about half the cost that BMW would charge. http://www.driveshafts.com/markets/Vehicular/BMW
Darin
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M-Flight Member
Darin, great suggestion for a great supplier. But there’s one in San Antonio that’s just as good: Driveshaft Specialists. Chris recommended this supplier.
The Bavarians didn't intend for them to be replaced but it's commonly done. They are staked in place and replacing them requires a new method of retaining and centering them in the yokes. So unless you have the means to accurately center them and are able to cut a snap ring groove in the yokes or can re-stake them in place without disturbing their position(or tack welding the caps which I've seen by a so called professional shop)it is a job better left to specialists.
A rebuilt shaft from a reputable vendor would be my choice.
If you can leave two black stripes from the exit of one corner to the braking zone of the next, you have enough horsepower. - Mark Donohue
Yup. These guys are the best:
http://www.driveshaftspecialist.com/...0html/BMW.html
Chris Powell
Racer and Instructor since, well. decades, ok?
Master Auto Tech, owner of German Motors of Aberdeen
BMWCCA 274412
German Motors is hiring ! https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...1#post30831471
Awesome, I'll give Driveshaft Specialists a shot since they're just a city over. Thanks, guys!
Or you could pick one up from the wreckers for cheap but it would be wise to mark a line across the drive shaft so when you split them you know where to connect them back up from without loosing the balance.
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driveshaft specialists is the way to go - just about any you find in a junkyard will need refurbishment. witnessed this first hand when i did my transmission conversion several years back - ended up replacing the driveshaft as the one that came from the junkyard needed work.
'95 325iS - auto to manual swap done!
The problem is the only similar models in parts yards here are automatics. I don't know if the second half of the drive shafts are different for auto or manual.
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This was my thought as well. I'd rather not pull the driveshaft twice but honestly if I can find a cheap solution that stands any chance of working I'd be willing to try it. I don't daily this car so if it doesn't work the first time it's not a huge problem.
Last edited by Aeko; 02-18-2018 at 04:45 PM.
yup, do what you think is best.
'95 325iS - auto to manual swap done!
A creative DIYer or shop can replace the U-Joint but not many shops know how or want to. It takes a torch to get the old joint out. You don’t need to groove for the new one. You can tack weld a quarter on top of the new one. Member Butters Stoch has done a bunch.
You actually can replace without too much difficulty but the real answer is why when you can get them, replacement shafts for a reasonable price. They are staked from BMW and can be knocked out and replaced but then you have to worry about getting it balanced correctly.
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