Driveshaft repair or replacement?

[wardvonverde]

My car has around 112K miles, and it rattles like crazy starting around 50 MPH, and when I get past 70 on the highway the pounding gets fast enough that the car sort of feels like an airplane.

For several reasons, I don't want to replace the jointed driveshaft with the single pieced one. Mainly, deformations in the shaft could amplify and maybe even just snap. But it doesn't seem like many people on these forums have had significant issues with the single-pieced ones. Anybody got feedback after extended usage on one of those?

Another possibility is to get a shop specializing in u-joints to just stake a new piece in. A lot of old posts from these and other forums say that they've not had great luck with u-joint replacement, and some say the problem just gets worse and worse.

Overall I'd just like some advice and if anybody has experience with these pieces I'd be glad to hear it.

[nissanfreak12]

One piece drive shafts are the way to go period. Shaftmasters have great prices and a great quality product.

Your concerns should not be a concern, you have more of a chance having issues with a 2 piece than a 1 piece mainly cause you have no center carrier bearing. If you are really that concerned, they make a brace that could protect the shafts hitting the ground if it does. Besides, the u-joints are not replaceable on the OEM shafts.

If HP is your concern, I have about 400hp on the Z! platinum shaft. Zero issues. There are plenty of members that have 500+ on aluminum ones. Just get the one piece and don't look back.

[wardvonverde]

How long have you had the driveshaft? It seems like it would be rougher on the transmission, especially if you get the metal transmission mount.

[nissanfreak12]

I have had a 1 piece for over 4 years, zero issues. Solid transmission mount just means it will vibrate more in the cab. Yes, its more solid so nothing really moves, but its like having solid motor mounts, it will be very annoying in the cab cause all the vibration will be all over the place.

Why don't you tell us your plans? Obviously something is up other than it being a DD. The solid trans mount would be harder on the transmission than the shaft. Besides many vehicles use a one piece from the factory with zero effects for longevity. The Z32 is one of the few that use a 2 piece. Just remember, technology is completely different than the 90's.

[wardvonverde]

Alright, the issue is even more convoluted than I thought. Apparently the dealership told my dad (the previous owner) that the issue is the "front CV axle" on the passenger's side. WTF, I don't think there's even a CV axle in the front. I'm so frustrated right now.

[nissanfreak12]

Just get the one piece and be done with it. You will be happy with the outcome.

It could be either a u-joint or the center carrier bearing. CCB is about $130 and will fail again, u-joints are not serviceable or replaceable on the OEM DS. You could always get a new OEM SHaft;

http://www.conceptzperformance.com/Cart ... 24.8.10.58

[wardvonverde]

You're a good proselytizer. Fewer moving parts, less repair. Sold.

[wardvonverde]

I'm glad they make center supports for the single piecer. Just saw this piece that would totally give me peace of mind.

http://www.conceptzperformance.com/Cart ... 24.8.10.58

[wardvonverde]

I just thought I'd update everybody.

It turns out the reason my dad stopped driving this car is because my step mom really screwed it up. I think she drove up onto a curb or something, because the driveshaft is ruined, oil pan is cracked, the alignment is wrecked (toe, camber and caster).

I ordered a Shaftmaster piece (the steel one), and I'm having an alignment specialist install the shaft, replace the struts and the bushings, and install a camber adjustment kit. There are a few more things he's going to do as well, my head was spinning last I talked to him.

I'll keep everybody updated with progress. Sorry it's been almost a year!

[Ace2cool]

Wow, sucks it has all those problems, but at least you're taking the time to make her right! David over at shaftmasters is a great dude and awesome to work with. If you have any more questions, just let us know and we'll be happy to help.

[wardvonverde]

Just got the Shaftmaster Driveshaft installed, and let me tell you...

WOWWWWWWWWWWWW

My Z is much more responsive than it's ever been, but most importantly it does not shake at all!

People have complained in other threads about the noise as compared to the OEM multi-piece driveshaft, but in my opinion it is not a downside at all -- the pitch is a little higher, and it feels and sounds MUCH more sporty.

I didn't get the titanium option, and opted only for the steel driveshaft - my paranoia was kicking in about possible deformations due to fast acceleration, and I am not disappointed even the steel version is incredible.

[BenWP]

I got the exact same result with a steel shaft from Shaftmasters installed just last week in my '93 convertible. Besides the awful vibration, the old drive shaft seemed to act as a brake. Now the car really runs sweet. I appreciate all the posters who pointed me in the right direction. Shaftmasters is 45 minutes from where I live, but I would not have found them without this board.