6MT Driveshaft / Propshaft

[aerospacey]

Hey everyone, I've searched but not the best at searching...does anyone remember or know of any 6MT Driveshaft replacement DIY threads? My universal joint is clanking and I'm hoping I can do this job myself if there's a thread out here.

Also, does anyone know if a brand new OEM driveshaft would have to be balanced once put on my car or before put on my car? I am thinking they should come prebalanced, but I've never done a driveshaft repair.

Any links or help is appreciated!

[amrazM]

A genuine Driveshaft is just a matter of removing and replacing.



its simple actually, remove the exhaust from the manifolds with a 13mm and a e12, remove the heat shielding its 8 and 10mm then remove the driveshaft with a 18mm at the guibo and i think e12-14 at the differential. Then remove the csb 13mm and use a flat blade screw driver to seperate the driveshaft from the diff it has notches to pry on.

[drrust]

There was a step by step write up on replacing the driveshaft with a carbon fiber unit.

DIY:MFactory Carbon Fiber Driveshaft Installation https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1637925

Although the driveshaft should be balanced, the driveshaft/differential were balanced together at the factory. Look for markings on the differential flange. Also make notes of which bolts and washers came off of the connection. Some years they used special washers to add weight, other years the used bolts with more thread to be lighter.


E9X M3 diff flange bolts counterbalances!?! https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1231461

[aerospacey]

Thanks for the replies guys! I have all the tools, just a little confused if I'll need a transmission jack or not. I'll order parts soon, just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing anything critical 😌

[tdott]

Originally Posted by aerospacey

Thanks for the replies guys! I have all the tools, just a little confused if I'll need a transmission jack or not. I'll order parts soon, just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing anything critical 😌

It will be good to have help removing the x-pipe but the rest is a 1 person job.
Trans jack or stand would really only be useful holding the x-pipe up while lining it up and securing it back to the car.

[aerospacey]

Originally Posted by tdott

It will be good to have help removing the x-pipe but the rest is a 1 person job.
Trans jack or stand would really only be useful holding the x-pipe up while lining it up and securing it back to the car.

I have a lowboy/professional jack and 4 jack stands so I can probably rig up the jack with a metal plate or something to hold the exhaust. I wonder if any auto parts stored loan out tranny jacks or if there's too much risk/liability with loaning those out...

[drrust]

Originally Posted by aerospacey

I have a lowboy/professional jack and 4 jack stands so I can probably rig up the jack with a metal plate or something to hold the exhaust. I wonder if any auto parts stored loan out tranny jacks or if there's too much risk/liability with loaning those out...

If you don't mind paying for it, try a tool rental place. It seemed most people get by without one.

[aerospacey]

Yeah I do mind paying for it if I'm not sure if I need need it haha. I just looked at the loaner tools at autozone and they don't have it so I guess I'll do without it.

Have you replaced your propshaft? I'm thinking if I need to replace anything else while I'm down there. I got the propshaft assy from Turner motorsports and a rear diff service kit as well as a guibo/flex disc since I don't think the assy came with it.

[tdott]

Originally Posted by aerospacey

Yeah I do mind paying for it if I'm not sure if I need need it haha. I just looked at the loaner tools at autozone and they don't have it so I guess I'll do without it.

Have you replaced your propshaft? I'm thinking if I need to replace anything else while I'm down there. I got the propshaft assy from Turner motorsports and a rear diff service kit as well as a guibo/flex disc since I don't think the assy came with it.

Yea you can get by without it. If you have someone to lend a second set of hands, the only real tricky part with 1 person will be holding up the xpipe while trying to line it up and secure it.

I always like to put new exhaust gaskets when removing the x-pipe. Potentially could do the o2 sensors while you are there, but they are easy enough to change on their own so no big deal. Otherwise you pretty much have it covered.

[aerospacey]

yeah okay that should work, I'll get my bud to help. Hmm didn't even know they had gaskets, I just assumed gaskets are mostly for keeping fluids from seeping through lol. Are you talking about these?

11627830668

[tdott]

Yes. Those are the ones.

[aerospacey]

Okay thanks man. Unfortunately, 4 days after my order ECS reached out to me and said they don't have a driveshaft in stock even though the website didn't say it wasn't in stock... ugh.

[drrust]

Originally Posted by aerospacey

Okay thanks man. Unfortunately, 4 days after my order ECS reached out to me and said they don't have a driveshaft in stock even though the website didn't say it wasn't in stock... ugh.

There's a place in Texas that rebuilds driveshafts, unfortunately they didn't have any in stock when I had mine done. They turned mine around quickly though. They can also build you a new one.

[Johal E32]

Apparently Autozone Dorman driveshafts are ctually made by PTI (same brand Bimmerworld carries). It might be worth a shot.

I have had excellent experience with the guys in Texas for my E36 M3.

[drrust]

This mentions several options

Experience with Driveshaft Specialist of Texas? https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1861992

[aerospacey]

Thanks all, just waiting for ECS Tuning to get back to me, until then track days are delayed

[Jerrycy]