Technical 58 plate 4 x 4 joint? worn out on prop shaft

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Technical 58 plate 4 x 4 joint? worn out on prop shaft

But is it possible to fit the centre bearing?

There's couple links that indicate it's been done. Not for the faint-hearted I imagine but for £30..............y'know. Op's mechanic was taking the prop off anyway. If he fixes it he'll probably have good custom on the Island.


Imagine all those Scots guards, Paul 'Chestnut Brown' McCartney and Denny Laine.........they'll all have Panda 4x4s to go and relive "Mull of Kintyre".
 
Hi,


Well, he certainly seemed quite happy that I'd managed to find the bearing (or should I say that AB100 did!), and didn't sound overly concerned about them fitting it.
There are many folk with 4 wheel drives of all kinds here and the garage has existed as long as I can remember, so it must be something they do on a regular basis I'd think, though obviously not on Panda's.
Is there something particularly peculiar about fitting it on a Panda, or is it just that this kind of set up doesn't exist on other manufacturers vehicles?
 
Ive just read that the prop shaft is essentially non-servicable and has to be replaced as an entire unit. I hope for every 4x4 owners sake it is possible. It would be great to hear from a forum member who has done this successfully.
 
This issue has come up before, but I can't find a definitive answer.

However, this company seems able to supply a prop centre bearing.
http://www.driveshaftparts.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&path=30_108&product_id=117

Some centre bearings can be replaced easily, some require the prop to be split by removing the centre universal joint. Your mechanic will be able to see how easy this is likely to be. If he can do it, get one of these above. If fitting it looks difficult/impossible, there are many companies around that will refurbish the propshaft, new centre bearing and new universal joints and rebalance, so don't lose hope. Prop may need to be sent away for a week or so.
 
Oh dear, now I don't know whether to be happy or worried again!


That is the place I've ordered it from Portland_bill. I did think I'd read older posts yesterday that suggested that people had done it before when they'd managed to get hold of a bearing, and I can't see why it would be for sale if it can't be done - though maybe I'm just being naïve!


We'll see what happens when it arrives in the middle of next week and they get the car in to do the work. I hope it's not a major problem, I can't afford to be without transport for very long. Watch this space, I will report back on how things go!
 
Looking at the parts listing for the 4x4, the propshaft connects to a flange at the gearbox like some driveshaft joints, with 6 bolts. Removing the shaft will not affect operation in normal 2wd, so if the shaft needs to be sent away, you can still use your car meantime.
 
Looking at the parts listing for the 4x4, the propshaft connects to a flange at the gearbox like some driveshaft joints, with 6 bolts. Removing the shaft will not affect operation in normal 2wd, so if the shaft needs to be sent away, you can still use your car meantime.


Yeahh it's clearly been done before as there's one such for sale:


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2005-FIAT...193?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item5b0f5ac271

For the sake of that £30 bearing it's worth the mechanic having a try.
 
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If the centre yoke can be removed from the shaft easily, without removing the universal joint, replacement of the centre bearing is relatively easy. If the centre joint needs to be removed, it will almost certainly be a staked joint, no circlips, so would most likely need to go to a specialist.

Elsewhere I've seen it listed as a GKN shaft, so should be repairable.
 
When I had my petrol 05 reg 4x4 I was concerned about the centre bearing on the propshaft. I tracked down a company who supplied reconditioned propshafts. I emailed them and below is their reply from Feb 2013. Don't know if that info is any help... I didn't ever follow it up and changed the car in the end (not due to that issue!)
Many thanks for your enquiry, I can supply the centre bearing from stock, Price £55.00+vat.
As I understand the shaft is a sealed and the bearing is not easily replaced, we have not ever attempted to replace one but we would be more than happy to have a look at it for you?

A new shaft would cost around £400+vat - delivery would be 1/2 weeks as we are currently awaiting delivery from the supplier.

I hope that this helps a little?


Thanks & Kind Regards,
Stuart Hunt
Sales Executive
..................................................................................
Bailey Morris Ltd Little End Road, Eaton Socon, St.Neots, Cambridgeshire, PE19 8GE ( Office (+44) 01480 216250 ( Direct (+44) 01480 225883 Ê +(44) 01480 403045

Website: www.baileymorris.co.uk
 
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Here's me sitting thinking I've never heard of this issue before this thread, then the car goes and developes a bad vibration thru the drive train. Disconnected the shaft and was perfect.

Tried several options but none convinced me, ordered a new one today, £469+ vat.

This is the first trouble the little car has ever given in 5 years I've owned it, so I don't mind spending it, and it's a lot cheaper than changing the car.
 
Here's me sitting thinking I've never heard of this issue before this thread, then the car goes and developes a bad vibration thru the drive train. Disconnected the shaft and was perfect.

Tried several options but none convinced me, ordered a new one today, £469+ vat.

This is the first trouble the little car has ever given in 5 years I've owned it, so I don't mind spending it, and it's a lot cheaper than changing the car.


Right.......how many miles?


You didn't fancy trying the bearing replacement? We're all anxious to see how GrannyC got on.
 
67k, I've owned since 16k. We removed the shaft, re greased everything and split it to replace the bearing. Put it back in and was 5 times worse. The vibration rather than being limited to around the 2k rpm mark was right throughout the Rev range and there was a whine when off throttle. Basically was never going to be right and would have always annoyed me. As said the car doesn't owe me anything so is due a few parts, just so happened this was an expensive one!!
 
Just wondering if you marked the shaft for position (like, using Tippex?) before you dismantled it all?
 
No. It's one piece and seems simple enough. My mechanic was the one removed it so he may have tho.
 
I am very much thinking I have the same problem so im considering going from 4x4 to 4x2
 
irish boy: was your panda making a low rhythmic rumbling at around 20 to 40 mph?
 
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