DIY:MFactory Carbon Fiber Driveshaft Installation

[akkando]

Originally Posted by gerikivan

well i got the mfactory cf driveshaft for manual and idk if it will be the same for dct.. im running all solid mounts on mine that the rear differential dont flex at all, that you will need to remove the rear axle from the differential and drop the rear differential to fit..

Richbot, gerikivan, and anyone else with solid subframe bushings. Did you notice anymore nvh? Specifically diff whine with this mod? I have purple diff bushings so I’m not solid there but I already have some diff whine with current setup.

[Redd]

Originally Posted by akkando

Richbot, gerikivan, and anyone else with solid subframe bushings. Did you notice anymore nvh? Specifically diff whine with this mod? I have purple diff bushings so I’m not solid there but I already have some diff whine with current setup.

I had my MFactory CF DS before I installed purple diff bushings. The CF DS has zero NVH, just a bit more kick in the pants when you upshift.

Purple diff bushings will 100% have more diff whine.

[Richbot]

I am still on the OEM bushings

There was a little low frequency noise under load when it was brand new, but I think that was from the new giubo - it's gone now, and diff noise is no better or worse than before. My car has always had diff gear whine since it was new 13 years and 133,000 miles ago

[Tigamilla]

Just came to say, just bought this after getting the cowbell sound. Assessing this guide to see if I can DIY this!

[CTMike]

What are some “while you are in there” things to address when having the driveshaft replaced? My searching was a little hit or miss on this. Thanks!

[KrPa]

Originally Posted by CTMike

What are some "while you are in there" things to address when having the driveshaft replaced? My searching was a little hit or miss on this. Thanks!

Since the x-pipe and driveshaft comes off, it does open up some working space for a SSK. This would likely be the best time to do that.
Other than that, you could tackle a clutch change/lightweight flywheel. Although this mod is much less common

[randrews15]

Originally Posted by CTMike

What are some "while you are in there" things to address when having the driveshaft replaced? My searching was a little hit or miss on this. Thanks!

You could tackle a DCT service and gasket for the side pan. I suspect the transmission would have to be lowered a bit to gain access to the side pan. You could also tackle transmission mounts as well. Kind of depends on what shape your car is in.

[JPSurratt2005]

I just finished the install. It took around 11 hours and I needed help from my brother when I uninstalled/reinstalled the exhaust. I took the entire exhaust from downpipes back, as it's all factory until the axleback so no way to remove it.

When I installed the driveshaft I had my brother insert the CV joint as I pulled down on the diff. I only loosened the bushing bolts to give it a bit of wiggle room.

TIP: DCT M3s, release the e-brake and pop the shift boot off to access the lever to put the trans into neutral. This makes installed the flange and CV bolts a breeze. Being able to rotate the shaft is ideal. Also the CV bolts are E12 but also a 10mm wrench fits on perfect.


I ran the M3 all over town, going through the rev range and up to 85mph with absolutely no issues, vibrations, noises. My stock DS center bearing was going out so I had a ton of vibrations and noise and it's so smooth now. I'm very satisfied with this upgrade!

[Redd]

Originally Posted by JPSurratt2005

I just finished the install. It took around 11 hours and I needed help from my brother when I uninstalled/reinstalled the exhaust. I took the entire exhaust from downpipes back, as it's all factory until the axleback so no way to remove it.

When I installed the driveshaft I had my brother insert the CV joint as I pulled down on the diff. I only loosened the bushing bolts to give it a bit of wiggle room.

TIP: DCT M3s, release the e-brake and pop the shift boot off to access the lever to put the trans into neutral. This makes installed the flange and CV bolts a breeze. Being able to rotate the shaft is ideal. Also the CV bolts are E12 but also a 10mm wrench fits on perfect.


I ran the M3 all over town, going through the rev range and up to 85mph with absolutely no issues, vibrations, noises. My stock DS center bearing was going out so I had a ton of vibrations and noise and it's so smooth now. I'm very satisfied with this upgrade!

Which CF shaft did you get?

[JPSurratt2005]

Originally Posted by Redd

Which CF shaft did you get?

Mfactory V3. The shaft had a total of 4 balancing weights on it. I cleaned the guibo and shaft flange mating section with rubbing alcohol and made sure they mated all the way, as recommended.

[rhyary]

good news, but i think the test needs 90-100mph

[Redd]

You should share your findings in the MFactory DS GB thread.

[Fezza]

Originally Posted by JPSurratt2005

Mfactory V3. The shaft had a total of 4 balancing weights on it. I cleaned the guibo and shaft flange mating section with rubbing alcohol and made sure they mated all the way, as recommended.

Good result, was yours the initial batch V3 or you testing latested revised V3? I'll be testing the latest revision V3 on Tuesday in 40°C heat should be fun lol

[JPSurratt2005]

Originally Posted by Fezza

Good result, was yours the initial batch V3 or you testing latested revised V3? I'll be testing the latest revision V3 on Tuesday in 40°C heat should be fun lol

Mine is the latest V3. I received it Wednesday and installed it Thursday and Friday. My install was cold, and my garage floor was extra cold. Tuesday the weather looks great so I'll be heading out for an extended test drive.

[JPSurratt2005]

Originally Posted by rhyary

good news, but i think the test needs 90-100mph

That's the plan for Tuesday. Good weather so I'll be heading to Mexico. I'll post back with results.

[Fezza]

Nice one! Can't wait for my tomorrow's install and test

[Fezza]

Got it installed today and got over 100mph with revs above 5000 on the way home and happy to report no funky noises or vibrations.

Too much traffic and too hot now: so will go out again in the evening to break the 125mph barrier and do more testing.

[Fezza]

Did a few runs this evening, red lined the gears up to 125mph and found no abnormal sounds or vibrations. Checked for vibrations in 4th and 5th around 90-100mph, again none found. Lastly did a launch control for the hell of it and it hooked up a treat

Have a couple of cruises coming up on the 26th and 31st so will continue to look out for any abnormal sounds or vibrations over time, but so far so good!

Edit: Got to 142mph last night and still no vibrations.

[swhat]

Hmm...I can't get the CF driveshaft in. I've loosen the 2 diff bolts, but the diff still isn't lowering. Do I have to remove the axel to get it to drop? Any advice would be great!

[blowbackpolicy]

I would also like to hear install tips! I am about to install this on my 6MT next week. I hear some people get it right in and some have to mess with the differential and transmission.

[Davisca455]

Originally Posted by swhat

Hmm...I can't get the CF driveshaft in. I've loosen the 2 diff bolts, but the diff still isn't lowering. Do I have to remove the axel to get it to drop? Any advice would be great!

My car has 3 diff bolts...

[swhat]

Originally Posted by Davisca455

My car has 3 diff bolts...

Thanks. I'll try loosening the 3rd bolt tonight and report back.