Technical 2016 4x4 Drive shaft wont remove

[4x4panda2016]

Hello, I have lurked on the forum for ages but now have a question to ask. (Thank you for the posts about the rear discs, could not believe how complicated it all is in the newer design!)

I'm trying to change the center support bearing on the main drive shaft to the rear (NOT CV), I am aware the UJ is staked and will need to go to a specialist to be replaced and that it can be a hassle to separate the shaft next to the yoke.

The problem is with all bolts out at both ends and center bearing, the shaft can flex but it won't come out, it seems like both ends are stuck. Every source I have found the shaft is already removed or just lifts away so I don't know why its stuck. Is there a circlip or something inside the housings on each end, or are the end bearings just seized? cant even tell if the shaft should remove from the end bearings or if they should stay with the shaft.

Its a 2016 so have Fiat changed the design? Is it still possible to separate a splined section next to the yoke or does it need cut and re-welded to get access to the bearing? Either way surely the shaft must remove from the car, can anyone help?

 

[Jiffycom]

Sounds like it needs some 'persuasion'! I'd put an piece of wood against the shaft and hit that.

 

[4x4panda2016]

Thanks for the reply, I wasn't sure how much I should force it... would be my luck for it to break, then I'll be in a whole other kind of trouble! I'll give it a try once the rain stops

 

[Herts Hillhopper]

The image here might help, which shows a domed metal plate at each end of the shaft. I’ve never removed one (I did buy new centre bearing for one some years back but changed car instead!) - but looks like if the centre joint is lowered enough it will then pull clear from one end and then the other should be free? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Shaft-Tr...XQLW5JyolpWij2klhaIMmi5ZvH2FznmRoCPg8QAvD_BwE

 

[4x4panda2016]

Sorry I have not replied sooner, weather has been very wet and I did not fancy crawling under the car in my scuba gear!

Thank you both for your advice. The picture HertsHillhopper supplied was very helpful, it confirms where I thought it should separate. And Jiffycom was right about it needing some persuasion. Its all rusted together, so I'll loosen it gradually over the next few days spraying it each day to soak, then I'll use a copper or aluminum drift and hammer to free it.

Thanks again for the help, hoping it'll be job done once I can get all the bits safely loosened.

 

[Panda IIs]

Sorry I have not replied sooner, weather has been very wet and I did not fancy crawling under the car in my scuba gear!

Thank you both for your advice. The picture HertsHillhopper supplied was very helpful, it confirms where I thought it should separate. And Jiffycom was right about it needing some persuasion. Its all rusted together, so I'll loosen it gradually over the next few days spraying it each day to soak, then I'll use a copper or aluminum drift and hammer to free it.

Thanks again for the help, hoping it'll be job done once I can get all the bits safely loosened.

Thinking laterally... And this is a genuine question, if you disconnect both ends (leaving central bearing in place) and then try to drive away (sharpish like!) would that transfer sufficient drive to the back end to break the seized connection? Or is this just irresponsible and likely to wreck something..?

Just asking!

 

[R1NGA]

Whilst I appreciate that the question is about how to remove the prop with the intention of repairing the centre bearing, I am still tripping over a brand new complete prop assembly for a 4x4 on my garage floor and I'd be very happy to let it go for probably less than the cost of a typical bearing repair and rebalance job.

PM me if you'd be interested, as my car is not long gone but the brand new prop shaft that I never fitted remains!

 

[4x4panda2016]

Sorry for delayed reply. I have a picture here of what the problem was, there was a ring of rust around each end holding it in place with surprising strength.

 

[Jiffycom]

Thank for the update. Glad to hear you got it out ok!