Q45 drive shaft problem

[bum]

My 92 Q45 (high mileage) 220,000 miles has eaten 3 new and 2 used drive shafts. I just had another new one installed. Otherwise this car is still great. Has anyone else had this problem?

[Q451990]

By "new" do you mean OEM new, or aftermarket new? The early Q45s had a bad design on the drive shaft center carrier, but that was updated later... not sure when the change-over was. Typically one replacement was enough though...

Welcome to NICO! If you haven't done so already - check out our articles section and pay particularly close attention to the "timing chain guides" issue. Also run a search by member name "Q45Tech" for some of the most informative posts you'll find anywhere about the first generation Q45!

Heath

[Q45tech]

My 90 Q DS was changed at 120k [1997], the new updated replacement is still fine 186,000 miles later.............however you MUST replace the transmission mount, motor mount, diff mounts and exercise the u-joints periodically to maintain the proper DS angles..............definitely not set and forget.

[carlosinseattle]

My 90 Q DS was changed at 120k [1997], the new updated replacement is still fine 186,000 miles later.............however you MUST replace the transmission mount, motor mount, diff mounts and exercise the u-joints periodically to maintain the proper DS angles..............definitely not set and forget.

I have a 91Q 108K miles, original motor and transmission. I get the drive shaft vibrations from 35-45 mph. Is it safe to drive the car like this? If so, for how long? I normally drive on the freeway at 70mph so I don't feel it, but I imagine it's still vibrating even though I don't feel it. Can I drive it for another 5-19K miles? Or what happens while it's vibrating like this?

[Q45tech]

Safe in that it probably won't explode and come into cabin and cut off passengers/drivers legs. Never seen a Q drive shaft fall out but there is always a first time.

Normal people usually have these vibration fixed, but as we know there are lots of abnormal Q owners.

Some of these stories make me wonder about the state of dealership proficiency, but there is usually a second side to every story.

[maxnix]

If it is in 3rd gear and you have OEM spec tires, it is your rear (trnasmission) motor mount. Surely your motor mounts are shot also.

Search the posts to see what else you R&R at the same time.

[carlosinseattle]

Safe in that it probably won't explode and come into cabin and cut off passengers/drivers legs. Never seen a Q drive shaft fall out but there is always a first time.

Normal people usually have these vibration fixed, but as we know there are lots of abnormal Q owners.

Some of these stories make me wonder about the state of dealership proficiency, but there is usually a second side to every story.

When I asked if it's safe, I was referring to the car itself. Is it harming other components, and at what rate? A local mechanic diagnosed the problem as wheel or tires. I took the set off my maxima and put it on the Q, and the vibaration was still there. I also got under the car and saw tyhe driveshaft "wobble" slightly while turning. Am I messing up my transmission, diff, other components?

Carlos

[carlosinseattle]

If it is in 3rd gear and you have OEM spec tires, it is your rear (trnasmission) motor mount. Surely your motor mounts are shot also.

Search the posts to see what else you R&R at the same time.

I can't say wether or not it's only in third gear. I can say that I don't feel it under hard acceleration. Maybe because when I'm accelerating hard it's in second gear. Thanks for the suggestion. I've read all the posts in this section about drive shaft vibration issues.

[DrewQ45]

In response to your question. The vibration will prematurely cause the rubber to fail on the transmission mount and the exhaust hanger. I know this from experience.

...Drew...