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Driveshaft Service and Upgrades
BMW Driveshaft Service & Upgrades
Maintaining your existing driveshaft, or switching to a lightweight alternative is an easy way to help your BMW put as much power to the ground as possible. Servicing your driveshaft is incredibly easy except for the universal joints, this is why we offer remanufactured and serviceable driveshafts for your BMW. We also carry lightweight performance options from The Driveshaft Shop for those of you looking for an upgrade. This article will help to guide you through everything you need to know about your factory driveshaft, its components, and what to consider when thinking about purchasing a single-piece lightweight driveshaft.
Driveshaft Anatomy
A driveshaft is essentially just a spinning shaft which sends torque from the engine to the differential. The drive flange on the transmission side of the driveshaft is mated to the transmission output flange through the use of a Giubo. The Giubo, or Flex Disc, allows the driveshaft to move as necessary while it acts as a vibration damper. In the middle of an OEM BMW driveshaft, you have the Center Support Bearing (CSB), which mounts the middle of the driveshaft to the underside of the vehicle, while the built in rubber isolator helps to dampen additional vibrations. There are two universal joints in the driveshaft, one is located in the center of the driveshaft near the support bearing, while the other is located near the rear drive flange. These universal joints (U-joint) allow the two halves of the driveshaft to move as needed without binding, but they are not serviceable on OEM BMW driveshafts. It is worth noting that certain models utilize a CV (Constant Velocity) joint at the rear of the driveshaft, this style of joint also allows the two halves of the driveshaft to move as needed without binding, but it can offer a longer lifespan due to its internal design.
Symptoms of a Failed Driveshaft Part
While driveshafts are simple, they do have parts that wear and need replacement. The factory CSB and Giubo are serviceable, but the BMW universal joints are not. Symptoms of a failed or worn Giubo may include driveshaft movement resulting abnormal vibrations, and clunking when shifting from reverse into drive. Symptoms of a failed or worn CSB may include squealing or grinding noises, or a shuddering sensation, especially at low wheel speeds or when accelerating from a stop. The U-joints can also fail, which may cause clunking or squeaking noises at low wheel speeds. Always listen to the engine and make certain the noise you are hearing is wheel speed dependant, as you could possibly mistake an engine or transmission related failure for a driveshaft related cause.
Maintenance
Just as with all automotive systems, the Giubo and CSB will need to be replaced eventually. Inspect your Giubo and CSB for cracks, ozone depletion, wear, or for signs of separation of the rubber from the bosses. These parts can be replaced at home with the proper experience and tools, and we offer both factory parts as well as stiffer components for competitive use. If you want to retain the same function and feel that BMW designed the car around, we recommend replacing your CSB and Giubo with OEM parts. These rubber buffers allow the driveshaft to flex and move as it needs, while protecting the components from excessive torsional loads.
Servicing U-joints on the factory driveshaft may not be possible on BMWs, so we offer remanufactured driveshafts as an alternative. These driveshafts are modified to allow U-joint replacement rather than replacing the entire assembly again. Our serviceable driveshafts are professionally assembled and balanced for factory-like performance and fitment. The possibility of future service on our driveshafts is a major benefit. If you have ever had a driveshaft fail, this is a great way to reduce the potential cost of future repairs.
Upgrading Your Driveshaft
Whether you are looking for an upgrade to replace your worn out parts or are trying to build a competitive track BMW, a lightweight, single-piece driveshaft is a great way to go. We offer single-piece driveshafts from The Driveshaft Shop which are lighter and sturdier than OEM.
Having a lightweight driveshaft lowers the rotational inertia and reduces parasitic loss. This results in improved acceleration, especially when paired with a lightweight flywheel and underdrive power pulleys.
The Driveshaft Shop offers both Carbon Fiber and Chromoly single-piece upgrades. The differences between the two are drastic. They both perform the same function, but there are benefits to choosing one or the other. Carbon fiber driveshafts will weigh slightly less than the Chromoly alternatives, but carbon fiber does cost more. The less expensive Chromoly driveshaft will be larger in terms of overall diameter. If you choose a Chromoly driveshaft you may need to make modifications to the heat shielding for fitment.
Carbon Fiber driveshafts offer the benefit of being narrower, yet just as strong thanks to the multi-ply woven composite. One of the biggest benefits of the Carbon Fiber driveshafts are their flexibility and the results of a failure. In the event of a complete driveshaft failure, the Carbon Fiber driveshaft will shred apart like a broom, reducing the risk of damage to surrounding components and the passenger compartment. If a Chromoly driveshaft fails, it will be like a sledgehammer spinning at high RPM underneath your BMW.
DIY Instructions
Driveshafts can be easily removed and installed at home, which makes this service or upgrade an excellent weekend project. Take a look at our BMW E36 / E46 Driveshaft Replacement DIY and follow along to service your Giubo and CSB or replace your driveshaft entirely.
Regardless of how you drive and what your budget is, we have the best driveshaft options for your BMW. If you want to free up some horsepower and improve the responsiveness of your throttle, a single-piece driveshaft is an optimal choice. For repairing and maintaining your BMW for continued enjoyment, our serviceable remanufactured driveshafts will have your car driving smoothly once again and will save costs in the future should a U-joint ever need replacement. Turner Motorsport has everything you need to keep your driveshaft in perfect condition or better than ever for your BMW.
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