Driveshaft Vibration; new Carrier Bearing

[Russt]

I hope someone here can help me out.

I was driving my '92 E36 325i the other day when teh drivesfat broke loose at the carrier bearing.

I replaced it, and now I have a new vibration that starts at about 2000 RPM in First Gear, so I suspect the Carrier bearing.

Is there an alignment procedure for the two halves of the diveshaft?

I have had the driveshaft out of there twice in the last couple of days and cannot find a reason for the vibration.

I suspect the guido unit, but do not get over 5-10 MPH whe I get shaken out of the driver's seat, and from what I've seen here the guido doesn't show until around 40 MPH.

I am a fairly skilled mechanic, but this is my first BMW (I've had it 5 years) so don't be afraid of getting too techical.

[keple9801]

when you say carrier bearing is it the flex disc? the part nearest to tranny?

i had the same problem after i repaired my 2nd gear, but the part that got loose was center guide bearing nearest to differential

replaced flex disc and center guide and problem was gone....

hope it helped...

ps:mine was manual tranny, don't know if it's any different

[Russt]

The Carrier Bearing is the name I use for the center bearing, which supports the driveshaft halfway between the tranny and teh axle.

Yes, it is a manual.

It looks like I need to find a flex disc.

Thanks,

Russ

[keple9801]

PS: buy new bolts for the flex disc at the dealer, i bet you they're worn from the vibration..

$3 - $5 a piece i think.....worth it

[Teuffelhunden]

Have you checked the u-joint? If you had a situation where the "carrier" bearing broke loose it probably put a strain on the u-joint. Now BMW has designed the u-joint so you can't remove it, although I have ground out the retaining tabs, bought a u-joint from a drive line shop, installed it and welded retaining tabs across the cups, then had the shaft re-balanced....
My advice though is to remove the shaft and take it to a drive line/ shaft specialty company and have them modify the yokes so you can remove the joint later. While you're at it, buy a u-joint with a grease zerk so you can lubricate it. Have them balance the shaft, then re-install it.
Hope this helps.