2012 M37x Flex Disc(Guibo, Driveshaft Coupling, Flex Joint) replacement

[anewstartinchrist]

Need some advice on how to replace the flex disc. I've been chasing a vibration in the car for a few months and this is starting to close in on more extensive and expensive repairs. The vibration feels like it's coming from the center of the car. I'm hoping it's not the torque converter. So far I've replaced all four tires, the front wheel hub bearings, and outer tie rods with a four wheel alignment. The dealer will only sell the entire propeller shaft and the independent shop initially said they can replace just the flex disk a couple of months ago, but today said that you have to do the entire shaft, which you don't have to. So far I've found two parts that may work. Powertrain Industries 2355-115 and the Toyota part equivalent, 37511-30020. These two parts look identical and the measurements appear identical as well. Based on some eBay pictures of m37x propeller shafts for sale, these flex discs are the same thing. I'm not 100% sure that these fit the 4wd model of the M37 although, visually everything seems to match. I did do some research on the PTI website and it appears that there's will do. Tbh they are probably the original supplier...
My independent shop admitted today that it did appear cracked in places but said that it wasn't torn and should be fine. The thing is..... you don't want to wait until it tears because at that point, some serious damage will probably be done by then. Previously when initially trying to diagnose this vibration, before I replaced anything, I paid for them to look the car over and they said they didn't find anything. The rubber is pretty hard btw. My goal now is to maybe attempt this myself. I didn't know the exhaust is in the way as well as some heat shields. Having a lift would definitely make this easier, however people have removed whole transmissions with just jackstands. Prefer to be safer though. Partsouq and Amayama are the best plug but with the Tariffs... things are more expensive.. Anyone have advice, resources, or experience in doing this?

[AZhitman]

Looking at the pics, I think that's a task I'd tackle. Worst case scenario, you're out the cost of the part and some time.

Seems odd that it'd cause a vibration in a car that's 14 years old.

[anewstartinchrist]

Looking at the pics, I think that's a task I'd tackle. Worst case scenario, you're out the cost of the part and some time.

Seems odd that it'd cause a vibration in a car that's 14 years old.

In reference to the flex disc and rear propeller shaft, the flex disk are definitely prone to failure, can cause vibrations, and can be replaced. But after removing the crossmember brace(batwing) that I need to replace also, I was also able to see the center support bearing from the front side. It appeared really white around the center portion close to the splines of the propeller shaft. It's hard to explain tbh. I need to take a picture and post it. Not sure if it's just completely worn or what... That may be my problem? Either way, the dealership and the independent shop I go to will only replace the entire rear propeller shaft assembly.

I also took a look at the front propeller shaft(transmission to transfer case) and it didn't appear damaged. I only have the front off of the ground right now so I can't place the car in neutral to move it back and forth. I did try to move it and it had very little play if any at all. I know that these are prone to fail too. But no obvious signs of extreme wear and damage.

[AZhitman]

Center support bearing is much more likely to cause driveline vibration.

Go find an empty stretch of freeway, take it up to "vibration speed" or 5mph over. Shift into neutral and see if the vibration changes / disappears.

I'd also start looking for a new independent shop, since those components are all available individually. Good luck with it!

[anewstartinchrist]

Center support bearing is much more likely to cause driveline vibration.

Go find an empty stretch of freeway, take it up to "vibration speed" or 5mph over. Shift into neutral and see if the vibration changes / disappears.

I'd also start looking for a new independent shop, since those components are all available individually. Good luck with it!

Yea I definitely didn't like the look of what I saw but I believe it is somewhat normal for it to look like it did based on the used shafts I see for sale. The rubber might be degrading on the surface but can't say for sure. I attached the pics of the front portion of it. Once I get the crossmember back on I will test it out. Hopefully that will be it . Happy Thanksgiving btw! Thank you for your help.

[anewstartinchrist]

Center support bearing is much more likely to cause driveline vibration.

Go find an empty stretch of freeway, take it up to "vibration speed" or 5mph over. Shift into neutral and see if the vibration changes / disappears.

I'd also start looking for a new independent shop, since those components are all available individually. Good luck with it!

Does the "white chalky" portion of the bearing look odd to you besides appearance? I feel like it's too far out of the bearing?

[AZhitman]

Nope, looks normal.

Check above test procedure, AND grab the shaft and try yo move it side to side in the center bearing.

You may wind up at a specialty driveline shop. Like I said before, car isn't really old enough to have component failures.

[anewstartinchrist]

Nope, looks normal.

Check above test procedure, AND grab the shaft and try yo move it side to side in the center bearing.

You may wind up at a specialty driveline shop. Like I said before, car isn't really old enough to have component failures.

Will do. I surprisingly have a few of those shops around me after a quick search. I appreciate it.