Driveshaft U-Joint

[Hagbard]

Could someone explain to me what this part is or if it goes by another name? The mechanic I got to diagnose my car told me that I needed a new rear U-Joint. I do most of my repairs myself but I have no clue what a rear U-Joint is. I'm getting a lot of vibration--especially in the backseat--when I accelerate so I assume that this U-Joint is the culprit. Can anyone help clarify this issue for me?

[mzmtg]

This is the rear U-joint;

[geminiys]

I have the same problem and non of the U-joints can be replaced individually. The entire driveshaft must be replaced. I will be doing this exact thing this coming weekend. I got a used one in a very good shape with good Central Bearing from Bavarian Auto Recycling. While there, I will be replacing Trany mounts, Guibo, central guide bushing, and all self-locking nuts.

[Hagbard]

Can this part cause rattling and vibration when accelerating? How much did you pay for your used driveshaft replacement part? Is there a DIY guide for this fix? Do you have to use a lift for this fix?

[CT Sean]

Absolutely.

Thankfully never had a bad ujoint in the BMW, but I got them all the time in my Jeep and a bad one causes those exact symptoms. Fortunately Jeep's have replaceable ujoints.

[jer0177]

Wonder if the 'shaft can be taken to a drivetrain shop and rebuilt there, or if it's really a no-replace U-joint....I mean, BMW's gotta get it in there somehow....right??

[Hagbard]

It'd be nice right? I'm 24 years old and I ain't made of money. I think I'm going to start preparing for this project soon. I guess I'm going to start trolling the Internets for a good deal on a used driveshaft

geminiys: How much did you pay for your used driveshaft replacement part? Is there a DIY guide for this fix? Do you have to use a lift for this fix?

[geminiys]

I called them and bargained about refurbished one that they have posted on Ebay for $199.00. They response was $125 plus shipping for a used one in good condition for both U-joints and Central Bearing. I agreed. Being in California the shipping was only $22. the difference between refurbished and used is painted and bew Central Bearing. After talking to several mechanics, no one seen a Central Bearing going bad on bimmers yet. Bavarian shipped me the exact driveshaft from the same model car that I have.

[Hagbard]

I bought a used rear driveshaft from a 1997 318i for $182.00 from an outfit in Mobile AL called Quality Auto Parts. I have a money back guarantee if I don't like the part so I feel good about it. Now all I have to do is find a mechanic who'll let me use his lift for a weekend!

[geminiys]

What do you mean rear driveshaft? Is it the whole assembly from trany to differential or just a portion of it?
You do need to replace the entire thing as there weight balancers and geometry is adjusted for the entire assembly. Also, if 2 pieces are ever reassembled, the timing marks must be put in place for exact fit putting it back together.
Bavarians selling 318 driveshafts for 179 referbished. I bet a used one will go for $100 if you talk to them.

[ducky328i]

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...d.php?t=921365

[restricted]

I would be willing to bet that you are in need of a center bearing and not u joints i run some pretty high numbers in my e36 with full monoball setup and solid motor,tranny,diff,subframe mounts and still havent managed to wear out the u's and i drive the car very hard but im sure you have gotten at least a second opion on this problem just my $.02

[Hagbard]

What do you mean rear driveshaft? Is it the whole assembly from trany to differential or just a portion of it?
You do need to replace the entire thing as there weight balancers and geometry is adjusted for the entire assembly. Also, if 2 pieces are ever reassembled, the timing marks must be put in place for exact fit putting it back together.
Bavarians selling 318 driveshafts for 179 referbished. I bet a used one will go for $100 if you talk to them.

I mean "driveshaft." I just added "rear" because it's located near the "rear." The site I ordered from seems reputable enough. This is new territory for me. I am learning about driveshafts as I go and I'm collecting parts as I go as well. I figured I'd go ahead and get the driveshaft since it's the pivotal part. I'm assuming I may as well get a new driveshaft support w/ bearing and a new driveshaft bushing as well as a new flex joint. Does anyone know of a good DIY guide for this procedure that includes proper torque specifications?

[Hagbard]

I would be willing to bet that you are in need of a center bearing and not u joints i run some pretty high numbers in my e36 with full monoball setup and solid motor,tranny,diff,subframe mounts and still havent managed to wear out the u's and i drive the car very hard but im sure you have gotten at least a second opion on this problem just my $.02

Thanks for your thoughts. After a lot of research and conversations with a couple of mechanics, I am convinced that my problem is a bad U-Joint. Everyone I've spoken to on this site and in my research has pretty much agreed that the center bearings on the E36 don't really go bad in most cases. I am planning to go ahead and replace the guibo though. After 265,000 miles it's probably time.

[Acezbak]

I have seen a video of a feller FORCE changing his u joints and worked until he decided to do a pro stock burn out and snapped it. Problem was it was a hollow greasable u joint and couldn't take the torque of a stationary rear diff. He changed it once again and taking it easy on it. I have vibration in the rear u joint and i am looking for a non greasable u joint to replace mine. Im not buying someone else's wore out junk for ump-teen million dollars just to have to do it anyway. I will find link and put it here soon as i can find it again along with the part number for u joint.....IT CAN BE DONE.

[Butters Stoch]

E36 U joints can be replaced. I've done a good amount of them. Not for the amateur back yard hobbyist to try.

[328iFun]

E36 U joints can be replaced. I've done a good amount of them. Not for the amateur back yard hobbyist to try.

Can't see pics

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk

[Nanniepoo]

E36 U joints can be replaced. I've done a good amount of them. Not for the amateur back yard hobbyist to try.

Pay your Photobucket bill bub

[328iFun]

Pay your Photobucket bill bub

He's boosted,

Not a necessary bill

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[Butters Stoch]

https://www.flickr.com/gp/152475517@N08/94NBio

https://www.flickr.com/gp/152475517@N08/Jp23gy

[pbonsalb]

I have seen a video of a feller FORCE changing his u joints and worked until he decided to do a pro stock burn out and snapped it. Problem was it was a hollow greasable u joint and couldn't take the torque of a stationary rear diff. He changed it once again and taking it easy on it. I have vibration in the rear u joint and i am looking for a non greasable u joint to replace mine. Im not buying someone else's wore out junk for ump-teen million dollars just to have to do it anyway. I will find link and put it here soon as i can find it again along with the part number for u joint.....IT CAN BE DONE.

This will be great because the guy you responded to who posted in 2008 might still be waiting.

[BoxTheLunchBox]

What's the part number for the u joint you used?

[JDStrickland]

What's the part number for the u joint you used?

You replied 4 years after the guy that replied 9 years after the guy that asked first.

[Calypsorotragto]

You replied 4 years after the guy that replied 9 years after the guy that asked first.

He could wait 13 years for his question to make it back in time or he could do a quick search... this took 3 seconds... not even google but lame a$$ duck duck go

Screenshot_20210707-224943.png

[Noytic]

incase anyone comes to this thread, you can diy replace the u joint and there is a guy who shows it on a e46 which will work on the e36 with the proper u joint. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tz4qf8MSEGE