Propshaft vibration

[MM6]

Propshaft vibration on my E46. Hell of a ride, but in the end successfully repaired (not renewed).

I know the prop is a major headache with BMWs so I thought you guys would appreciate my recent experience.

I went to Driveshaft Centre Malibongwe Dr and they diagnosed the rear Universal Joint seized. it was truly stuffed from what i saw. They advised replacement of UV and I happily paid for this alleged replacement, including guibo and centre coupling. Almost immediately still had vibration. Took it back and the guy said my diff bushes needed replacing. Was a little weary now.

About a month later went to SAJCO 106 Oxford Street. Nice guys. they said my prop was so bad I should not drive. They could repair it for under R10k, but no parts at the time. BMW wanted about R13k for a new one, but no stock. Tried a couple more places with no luck or lost people that reminded me of bad experience at Driveshaft Centre. Things were not looking good. And the prices were a windup. There were about 20 eat outs at stake!

Lo and behold I found Mayfair Gearbox has an in-house guy Johan Botha (calls himself Propshaft Engineers 011-493-8687). Guy actually renewed the rear UV which he advised to my astonishment was still the original ... so much for Driveshaft Centre's replacement!!! Johan cut off the old one (I saw it), welded on a new one and balanced - beautiful job. R3k cost. sorry no photos

I added diff bushes replacement and renewed (again in case they were damaged from the vibration) the centre coupling and guibo (BMW original). That was 7 months ago and my baby is still flying smoothly.

We won't discuss the sagging roof lining - failed job at this stage ... another post if ever successful.

 

[AndreB320i]

Propshaft vibration on my E46. Hell of a ride, but in the end successfully repaired (not renewed).

I know the prop is a major headache with BMWs so I thought you guys would appreciate my recent experience.

I went to Driveshaft Centre Malibongwe Dr and they diagnosed the rear Universal Joint seized. it was truly stuffed from what i saw. They advised replacement of UV and I happily paid for this alleged replacement, including guibo and centre coupling. Almost immediately still had vibration. Took it back and the guy said my diff bushes needed replacing. Was a little weary now.

About a month later went to SAJCO 106 Oxford Street. Nice guys. they said my prop was so bad I should not drive. They could repair it for under R10k, but no parts at the time. BMW wanted about R13k for a new one, but no stock. Tried a couple more places with no luck or lost people that reminded me of bad experience at Driveshaft Centre. Things were not looking good. And the prices were a windup. There were about 20 eat outs at stake!

Lo and behold I found Mayfair Gearbox has an in-house guy Johan Botha (calls himself Propshaft Engineers 011-493-8687). Guy actually renewed the rear UV which he advised to my astonishment was still the original ... so much for Driveshaft Centre's replacement!!! Johan cut off the old one (I saw it), welded on a new one and balanced - beautiful job. R3k cost. sorry no photos

I added diff bushes replacement and renewed (again in case they were damaged from the vibration) the centre coupling and guibo (BMW original). That was 7 months ago and my baby is still flying smoothly.

We won't discuss the sagging roof lining - failed job at this stage ... another post if ever successful.

---

I'm new to the forum although I've browsed many forums in my endeavours of maintaining first an e36 and now an e46 320i.

Its good to read a story of a solved e46 vibration. I was not sure whether to start a new thread or reply to this one as it is a few months old. Anyway:

My 320i auto had (still has) a slight shudder when pulling away (around 20 Km/h) in any gear. A gearbox crowd in Pretoria suggested its the torque converter so I opted for a rebuild. When the car returned the original shudder was still there, but far more worrying was a serious vibration starting at around 115 KM/h, any gear, even downhill foot off the gas. I had to drive the car to Jhb and attempted to keep off the vibration, but at Centurion on the Hiway I saw smoke in the mirror, pulled over and oil was pouring from the box, smoking on the exhaust. Naturally they had to come and rescue me with a flatbed.

I made it clear that the car was smooth as silk at any speed except for the shudder which was supposed to be fixed by the rebuild. So they (so they claim) had the entire drive shaft rebuilt, including center bearing. They say the guibo is good, but I have not inspected it myself yet. They don't know what caused the oil leak, but had another reconned torque converter fitted and reassembled.

So now at least no oil leaks, its been a good few thousand Km, the original shudder is still there and vibration is much less, but enough to be of concern. You feel it in your seat, see it in the mirror, hear in the keys rattling and the drone coming from the back somewhere, all the way to 140 although it might be fading a bit by then. I Don't want to push it further, besides being dangerous on a public road, I have no idea what is really going on down there.

Assuming the driveshaft is good after the rebuild, where do I start ? Do I assume the drive shaft rebuild was not good and have it checked out and balanced ? Any one know of a reliable place in Pretoria I can take the car to help find the source ? I cannot take the car back to the original guys, I doubt they are able to sort it out.

 

[MM6]

Vibration is pure adulterated pain. You will pay and weep.
My recommendation is take it Mayfair Gearbox and chat to the prop guy Johan Botha

 

[AndreB320i]

Thanks, I'll give him a call and see when I can get the car there. Unfortunately its quite some distance, but would love to have the car back to its turbine like smoothness.

 

[Clint@MMS AUTO]

Driveshaft Centre Malibongwe Dr are a bunch of idiots... I wouldn't trust them with any car...

 

[samman325]

So just to understand, was the work done via Mayfair Gearbox or Propshaft Engineers?

 

[AndreB320i]

In my case no. Original work was done by Gearbox select in Pretoria.

I spoke with Johan Botha from Propshaft Engineers yesterday. As I mentioned symptoms he replied with a "yea yea, sounds familiar". He works on the Mayfair Gearbox site "to sort out such problems when they arise". It seems that driveshaft issues after gearbox removal are not unusual.

Since he is far from here I have to plan the logistics of dropping off the car and collecting again etc. But sounds like the kind of guy I'll risk entrusting the problem to. Thanks to MM6 for the contact.

 

[War 320 SPORT]

So I'm new on the group and recently bought a BMW (have always wanted one) so at a young a age I'm pretty happy. I've been looking for advice on a water pump on my BMW, but besides the point started looking at guys having Propshaft issues as that's my trade. I don't do the work unfortunately, but I supply the spares to the guys you've all mentioned here. If anyone needs any advice on a reputable Propshaft repair place give me a shout I'll be more than will to assist and give advice.

 

[MM6]

Propshaft vibration on my E46. Hell of a ride, but in the end successfully repaired (not renewed).

... I found Mayfair Gearbox has an in-house guy Johan Botha (calls himself Propshaft Engineers 011-493-8687).

Update as at July 2017.
The BMW started making backlash noise, like something loose. Booked it in to Mayfair Gearbox (Propshaft Engineers) for upcoming week. She could not wait ... it had to be towed in after the left side drive shaft fell off!!! (diff had been removed)

Propshaft Engineers refitted and assured me all shafts re-secured (prop and drive). Backlash still very evident when I picked her up. Johan Botha said he had his guys check, and he believes it was gearbox or diff.

Backlash was driving me mad. And the fear of another breakdown. Put her up on stands and found the propshaft torx bolts to diff were loose - could turn them by hand. Poor show!

So guys I can state that the work on the propshaft itself was great, but fitting by his staff failed. Make sure you check yourself.
Drive Shaft (from http://www.bokchoys.com/differential/pictures/Differential Diagram.jpg):

Propshaft (from http://www.bokchoys.com/differential/pictures/drive_shaft_fig4.jpg):

 

[Ashie]

Propshaft vibration on my E46. Hell of a ride, but in the end successfully repaired (not renewed).

... I found Mayfair Gearbox has an in-house guy Johan Botha (calls himself Propshaft Engineers 011-493-8687).

Update as at July 2017.
The BMW started making backlash noise, like something loose. Booked it in to Mayfair Gearbox (Propshaft Engineers) for upcoming week. She could not wait ... it had to be towed in after the left side drive shaft fell off!!! (diff had been removed)

Propshaft Engineers refitted and assured me all shafts re-secured (prop and drive). Backlash still very evident when I picked her up. Johan Botha said he had his guys check, and he believes it was gearbox or diff.

Backlash was driving me mad. And the fear of another breakdown. Put her up on stands and found the propshaft torx bolts to diff were loose - could turn them by hand. Poor show!

So guys I can state that the work on the propshaft itself was great, but fitting by his staff failed. Make sure you check yourself.
Drive Shaft (from http://www.bokchoys.com/differential/pictures/Differential Diagram.jpg):

Propshaft (from http://www.bokchoys.com/differential/pictures/drive_shaft_fig4.jpg):

It is scary how the standard of workmanship has deteriorated. Tightening of bolts is a basic skill for any mechanic.:cthulhu:

 

[AndreB320i]

In my case no. Original work was done by Gearbox select in Pretoria.

I spoke with Johan Botha from Propshaft Engineers yesterday. As I mentioned symptoms he replied with a "yea yea, sounds familiar". He works on the Mayfair Gearbox site "to sort out such problems when they arise". It seems that driveshaft issues after gearbox removal are not unusual.

Since he is far from here I have to plan the logistics of dropping off the car and collecting again etc. But sounds like the kind of guy I'll risk entrusting the problem to. Thanks to MM6 for the contact.

OK, it's been a while since my last post on this saga, but quite a lot has happened.

It is simply not practical for me to take the car to Johannesburg so eventually I dropped it off at Mayfair gearbox in Pretoria. First drive diagnostic was "propshaft" from both techs who joined the drive. On a hoist there was obvious free play in the rear universal and upon removal they found the front universal semi seized. So shaft was rebuilt, balanced and refitted.

The low speed vibration (my original issue a year ago) at roughly 30Km/h was gone, but the higher speed vibration (which started after gearbox select had their hands on the car), although much reduced was still there. Curiously it also seemed present all the way from 60 up, but at lower amplitude. Pretty smooth from 80 to 115 and then came in again.

Their auto box guy said there was slight ticking sound during idle and he felt the flex plate might be cracked or distorted. So off came the box and I was called in to come and see what was revealed: The ring gear / flex plate is fitted back to front. The ring gear teeth are beveled on one side to enable smooth engaging of the starter pinion. In this case the beveled side is facing to the rear (gearbox) ! The torque converter has a short stub which locates in the motor output shaft, this stub appears to have been welded to the torque converter. We don't know if this a precautionary weld or whether it had somehow been dislocated and welded back in place. In the latter case the chances of it being slightly off center or at a slight angle are high. Although it can be still balanced, it will never run true.

So is it that gearbox select who did the original work stuffed up everything else from that point on ? Why would they have removed the flex plate, there is no need. Anyway, the torque converter is going in for a revamp and hopefully there will finally be a positive result.

 

[Waseem 333i]

I have that plate but came off a 330d. if you can get pictures and measurements of your one i can check if its the same as the one I have.

 

[AndreB320i]

I have that plate but came off a 330d. if you can get pictures and measurements of your one i can check if its the same as the one I have.

Thanks Waseem, the plate seems to be fine, just the ring gear which is apparently facing the wrong way. And of course that stub on the torque converter. I should know by tomorrow or Friday whether we have finally reached the end of this painful exercise.

 

[Msekza]

So I'm new on the group and recently bought a BMW (have always wanted one) so at a young a age I'm pretty happy. I've been looking for advice on a water pump on my BMW, but besides the point started looking at guys having Propshaft issues as that's my trade. I don't do the work unfortunately, but I supply the spares to the guys you've all mentioned here. If anyone needs any advice on a reputable Propshaft repair place give me a shout I'll be more than will to assist and give advice.

Yow, just bought a e30 325i, previous owner advise that the car is 2.8 stroker not sure what is that, but nonetheless he said I need to sort out prpshaft as the car is vibrating.

 

[MM6]

Kudos to Johan! again!
Johan Botha 082-772-3600 has moved just down the road from Mayfair Gearbox to 19 Hay Street, Booysens. He just rebuilt the propshaft of my old baby (E36 318is 1996) which my son rides (with celebrity status amongst his mates I might add). Perfect job.
Johan kindly agreed to do the Manual Gearbox mountings and the G/box Output Shaft Seal.
https://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/te...ransmission_Output_Shaft_Seal_Replacement.htm

I also wanted to do the gear selector bushes (from agents), but Johan caught a skrik. He kindly let me come do it myself (I actually only helped his techie - it's a challenging job to do). Gear shift is like a 5 year old now. So I slapped on a leather gear knob from agents (kid is now total hero status)
https://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/techarticles/E36-Shift_Bushings/E36-Shift_Bushings.htm

Boys if anyone is interested I bought a tool from USA to change valve guide seals without removing the head of a BMW E46 M54 (mine is a 320i). you are welcome to borrow it if needed. I ask only a refundable deposit (to make sure I get the tool back).

I have still to change my own valve guide seals, but want to do the vanos kit at the same time. I need the M54 Timing Tool Kit (have to budget for this still).

 

[Justin1979]

Kudos to Johan! again!
Johan Botha 082-772-3600 has moved just down the road from Mayfair Gearbox to 19 Hay Street, Booysens. He just rebuilt the propshaft of my old baby (E36 318is 1996) which my son rides (with celebrity status amongst his mates I might add). Perfect job.
Johan kindly agreed to do the Manual Gearbox mountings and the G/box Output Shaft Seal.
https://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/te...ransmission_Output_Shaft_Seal_Replacement.htm

I also wanted to do the gear selector bushes (from agents), but Johan caught a skrik. He kindly let me come do it myself (I actually only helped his techie - it's a challenging job to do). Gear shift is like a 5 year old now. So I slapped on a leather gear knob from agents (kid is now total hero status)
https://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/techarticles/E36-Shift_Bushings/E36-Shift_Bushings.htm

Boys if anyone is interested I bought a tool from USA to change valve guide seals without removing the head of a BMW E46 M54 (mine is a 320i). you are welcome to borrow it if needed. I ask only a refundable deposit (to make sure I get the tool back).

I have still to change my own valve guide seals, but want to do the vanos kit at the same time. I need the M54 Timing Tool Kit (have to budget for this still).

Great post and thanks to you sharing i took my E39 530i to Propshaft Engineers. Johan is what a guy!!! Needed the flex disc and support bearing replaced. Took it in and was done in a day. Great service, price and awesome attitude. Highly recommended.