Opinions On My Driveshafts Please - Video Link In Post

[jonny_bravo]

Evening All

 

Got a 130 Tdi Mk2 60,000 miles

 

Drove 300 odd miles to Cornwall a couple of weeks ago,. 10 miles from the destination we got a wobble when accelerating under load. Didn't really use the car when we were there,.  took it steady on the way back and had a handful of wobblings along the journey.

 

My local mechanic had it in and could not find anything,.  checked the driveshafts and looked for play anywhere they could, took it for a long drive and could not get the 'wobble"

 

Anyhow,.  decided to take a look myself can I have your views on whether the amount of play in the intermediate shaft is normal ? (it looks relatively new to me - VW stamped so a genuine part),.   In the clip I also check the offside and nearside outer shafts, the nearside seems to have a little rattle - welcome your opinions guys.

 

http://youtu.be/ErqXVa5A31Q

 

 

 

 

[insanitybeard]

The 'wobble' is unlikely to be caused by worn intermediate driveshaft splines in my opinion, and in any case, like you say it looks like the intermediate shaft may have been renewed- the joint with the gearbox stubshaft is very clean, there's usually red iron oxide dust around the joint if it's on it's way out. As for play in this joint, if it's in good condition then I would say from experience approx. 1mm or so rotational play of the intermediate shaft relative to the stubshaft is fairly normal and perfectly ok, if it's a lot more than this then it's not a good sign.

 

However, the wobble is most likely to be caused by wear in the inner CV joints- it's a common fault on the Mk2 Galaxy. Bear in mind that if you were trying to check for rotational play in the driveshafts with the wheels off the ground then the tripod rollers will have shifted within the inner joint casings away from where they spend nearly all of their working life (and in the position any wear will occur) and not be sat where they usually are when the vehicle is on it's four wheels, giving a false impression of the actual play in the shaft when the vehicle is in motion and under load- the best way to test is with the vehicle sat on the ground (or on a four post ramp as used for MOT purposes for example) though admittedly it's not easy to get underneath to check when this is the case! Even then, it doesn't need there to be much (read perceptible) play in the joint for it to be worn and causing the fault you describe.

Edited September 5, 2014 by insanitybeard

[chromedome]

Agree with insanitybeard, failing cv joint(s). I had the "wobble" recently and it was caused by a seized cv. Replaced both drive shafts and the wobble has gone. If you do replace the drive shafts try and buy quality ones. I put cheaper ones on and had to replace them within a week.

[jonny_bravo]

Thanks for the lengthy explanation insanitybeard I'll try and wriggle underneath with the wheels on the ground! , thanks also chrome! Much appreciated!

[jonny_bravo]

Ok, just been reading on the replacement process. http://workshop-manuals.com/ford/galaxy_2000.75_04.2000-02.2006/mechanical_repairs/2_chassis/205_driveline/205-04_front_drive_halfshafts/description_and_operation/diagnosis_and_testing/removal_and_installation/front_halfshaft_rh/

 

Seems being a six speed I don't need to split the balljoints ? and seems pretty straightforward , I have access to all the tools if I need them so I might give it a go myself :)

 

What do you reckon chaps ? I only usually go as far as general servicing and brakes when doing DIY

[chromedome]

I watched my mechanic friend do mine, on a four post lift, and if I remember correctly he did split the lower ball joint. The hub bolt was very tight on both sides so that may be an issue.

 

I managed to get GSF drive shafts from my local Europarts and they have been very good.

[jonny_bravo]

Ok,. looking at GKN shafts from Eurocarparts,..   they list 2 types though,.  one is 508mm  the other 507mm,.   any ideas which specs I need to be looking for? -  the other makes on ebay all seem to be 507mm length , 38 outer splines and 48 ABS teeth) 

[chromedome]

I don't think the length is critical. Just need to make sure they have the correct fitting. If you enter your registration number the site should advise you.

 

PS. Don't order them on line they will probably say they are obsolete and send you the cheaper ones with now explanation or adjustment to price. That's what they did to me and took about a month to get a refund.

 

Go to your local depot instead.

Edited September 9, 2014 by chromedome

[breen77]

I put 2 new driveshatfts with CV joints and bearings on my VW Sharan.

 

I ordered them from http://www.jandrcvjoints.co.uk.

 

If I can remember correct I gave

[chromedome]

J&R is what I took off within a week.

[breen77]

ok

 

mine has lasted over 6 months now going well!!

[chromedome]

After some investigation it would appear my problem with the J&R was probably caused by my Galaxy being a 130PS diesel and not the normal 115PS. They cured the wobble but I got vibration whilst accelerating at any speed. My mechanic advised me to have them removed before they wrecked the transmission. I got a full refund.

[jonny_bravo]

Finally got 2 GKN shafts fitted today , thanks for the advice chaps. Just to clarify I did not have to split the ball joint, just undid the 2 Allen bolts on the bottom arm and levered the strut away.