2006 M35X Drive shaft noise / exhaust removal

[robbins67]

I have a 2006 M35x with 176,000 miles and it has developed a clicking / rattling noise in the front. I discovered that it was the front ujoint on the front drive shaft or propeller shaft. From the looks of it, the ujoint doesn't look like it can be replaced. Also I have not been able to find a replacement ujoint at any of the online infiniti suppliers, only the entire propeller shaft for around $575 shipping included. Can anyone verify my assumption? Has anyone replaced the shaft on their own? I have been able to remove the 4 allen bolts from the front flange but now must remove the catalytic converter to get the shaft out (per the service manual). Is it as simple as removing the 6 nuts holding the converter in place or will I need to loosen up or remove other exhaust components to get the converter out? TIA for any suggestions.

[bigred08046]

Hey same exact problem. So how did you get the shaft out? Remove catalytic converters? Mine also has 176K

[Ilya]

BigRed, see this post:

post6560800.html?hilit=ujoint#p6559935

[BlackCat81]

Yes, the converter needs to come out to remove the front driveshaft. It's a pain in the butt, even while the car is on a lift.

[kmilbrad94]

Hey same exact problem. So how did you get the shaft out? Remove catalytic converters? Mine also has 176K

This has to be some sort of weird joke. My car has 170K and my forward driveshaft U joints just snapped, and the transfer case is leaking.

[BlackCat81]

You'll have to pull the converter and remove it from the car, which includes the Y-pipe bolts. The cheapest I've seen the shaft is around $375 I think from either Amazon or rock auto. Can't remember where.

[BlackCat81]

Hey same exact problem. So how did you get the shaft out? Remove catalytic converters? Mine also has 176K

This has to be some sort of weird joke. My car has 170K and my forward driveshaft U joints just snapped, and the transfer case is leaking.

If the joint snapped it probably pulled the slip joint out of the t-case now that there's enough play in it since the shaft is broken.

[Ssexton]

I have a 2006 M35x with 176,000 miles and it has developed a clicking / rattling noise in the front. I discovered that it was the front ujoint on the front drive shaft or propeller shaft. From the looks of it, the ujoint doesn't look like it can be replaced. Also I have not been able to find a replacement ujoint at any of the online infiniti suppliers, only the entire propeller shaft for around $575 shipping included. Can anyone verify my assumption? Has anyone replaced the shaft on their own? I have been able to remove the 4 allen bolts from the front flange but now must remove the catalytic converter to get the shaft out (per the service manual). Is it as simple as removing the 6 nuts holding the converter in place or will I need to loosen up or remove other exhaust components to get the converter out? TIA for any suggestions.

I know this is an old post but what was the final cost of replacing the driveshaft?

[Ulikas]

So have the same problem here 150xxx , have rattling noises from front shaft (it turns out its a common issue) , i'm taking my drive shaft for a rebuild ,the shop is charging me 125 for each u joint . kmdriveline.com and were offering me a whole shaft for a 395$, local dealer asked 700$ for original. Im still in process , What you guys would suggest , a rebuild or Infiniti original ? I'm still in process.

[Bigworm]

The ujoint on the front drive shaft of my 2006 m35x went out about a week ago. Not really any warning other then some clicking noise when there was torque on it, accelerating and braking. If u hear any noise like that fix it ASAP. Mine busted off and put a 3/8" hole in the transmission bellhousing. Luckily no fluid in there. So basically, yes this can and probably will cause some damage when it goes. We were only doing about 30 mph.

I ordered a shaft from http://www.wholesaleimportparts.com
They were very knowledgeable about the circumstance and how to preform the repair. Free shipping and shipped the very next day, ground. Also probably the best price available, $343.60. And, no need to send a core back. They said they're just not worth repairing. In addition the new one will have replacable ujoints, unfortunatly no grease zerks though. I am still waiting for it, should have it tomorrow, they do provide a FedEx tracking number. I'll try to post the quality of it when I receive it, but so far I am very happy with the service I have received from them. Including, promptly returning phone calls, from their sales department and technical support. Hope this helps.