my driveshaft u-joint has notches at "center"

[ryan roopnarine]

hello all,

just disassembled my driveshaft today (still working on the autotrans gap issue) and found that, when moved by hand in 90, 180, 270, and 0 degree flexing, the u joint has a single "notch" feeling when flexing. the best way to describe it would be that there is an indent the joint passes as it goes back to straight orientation. is this indicative of failure? i've checked this joint with the driveshaft assembled and it feels perfect, and it is only when the unit is taken apart that you can notice such.

[Scott C]

hello all,

just disassembled my driveshaft today (still working on the autotrans gap issue) and found that, when moved by hand in 90, 180, 270, and 0 degree flexing, the u joint has a single "notch" feeling when flexing. the best way to describe it would be that there is an indent the joint passes as it goes back to straight orientation. is this indicative of failure? i've checked this joint with the driveshaft assembled and it feels perfect, and it is only when the unit is taken apart that you can notice such.

1 Month ago - same thing when putting in a new center bearing... U-joint is bad, and that sucks. Mine caused a vibration/shimmy under the seat at about 40mph up or under load.


I went with http://www.thrashdriveshaft.com/Staked.htm and am truly happy - really bolt in. They were awesome and their web site sold me on their product. Their phone support was very good - they appeared to know what they were talking about. NO shipping charges (covered in price). Came packed well (use box to return - included prepaid shipping tag for core).

I was intrigued by this http://www.car-stuff.com/carparts/bmw525i19951995powertrain2794-387167291.html but was leary of Chinese U-joints....

Scott