Driveshaft?

[motroman]

I've recently heard a loud squeaking noise emanating from underneath the car. It's loud only when going through turns, specifically left turns. We've checked suspension, exhaust and have narrowed it down to the driveshaft. The u-joints seem okay, along with the center bearing. We're pulling off the exhaust tomorrow to look at the front of the shaft. My mechanic is hinting at replacing the entire shaft along with all related parts and bolts, etc, a approximately $1300 cure. That diagnosis is on hold until we get a look at the front of the shaft after dropping the front of the exhaust. I have a sneaking suspicion it's the guibo and may insist on replacing that and the center bearing for insurance, rather than the whole shaft. What do you guys think and has anyone had similar symptoms? Many thanks for your thoughts.

[hornhospital]

Rarely does a driveshaft fail (rear U-joint). I believe you have a handle on what it is. I have doubts about a mechanic that wants to replace the driveshaft without even having out to examine it.

[motroman]

Thanks for the response, Ken. I agree and that's why I'm going to insist tomorrow to replace the guibo, the center bearing, and the rear u-joint if necessary.

[86_6series]

If it's an auto, I have an 86 BMW oem driveshaft with only 1800 miles on it before I swapped a 5 speed.
If you decide on getting a shaft let me know. $175 plus shipping.

Bob V

[bakemono]

A few thoughts: I would say driveshaft problems usually result in a thumping or clunking sound. I did have a noisy center bearing once, but I would describe it as more of a grinding than squealing.

You should be able to easily see the guibo just by raising the car.

I expect that labor cost for replacing the center bearing would be the same as replacing the whole thing (shaft has to be removed). U-joints on these cars are not designed to be replaceable and it's doubtful that a typical garage would attempt it.

[motroman]

Thanks everyone. I'll no more today.

[motroman]

Got the bad news yesterday. Two u-joints are bad,..the rear by the diff is the worse. It's the original shaft so it's been happily turning for 32 years. After weighing the kind offer here of a used shaft, along with the prospect of a driveshaft shop in the East Bay that would rebuild my shaft for about $900, I decided to do what I've always done with this car since I've owned it, go with the right choice and buy a new shaft. That way everything is true, new, and warranted from BMW. The part is coming from a Texas BMW facility and will be here by the 27th. Thanks everyone for your help.

[sansouci]

I just saw this post and I recalled some correspondence of folks who have used Drive Shaft Specialists is San Antonio TX 866-455-6622. I have not had the pleasure or pain of doing business with them so this is not a personal recommendation. The basis of the work was replacing the U joints.
--Ken

[Da_Hose]

I bought a replacement from Drive Shaft Specialists for my M6. I have been completely happy with it. They sent the wrong shaft the first time, and had the correct replacement to me in 2 days. Even their boo-boo showed good customer service. I would definitely buy another driveshaft from them.

Jose

[86_6series]

I guess motromans 6 is a manual not an auto.

Like I said, I have a brand new 86 auto BMW oem driveshaft
with only about 1800 miles for anyone interested.