[urq] Center bearing replacement results

[Louis-Alain_Richard at computerhorizons.com]

Dennis wrote:
I understand the string, but what re the corks for?
Dennis


(Can't bottom post with my Lotus notes, it looks messy, so here is your
answer Dennis.)

If you draw a string from one end of the DS to the other, it will follow
closely the diameter of the DS. Hence, in the middle, the string will touch
the center bearing and be useless. So to keep a constant gap between the
string and the DS, you slip one cork at each end under the string and you
use the last one to measure the gap in the center (between the string and
the DS body). In fact, any small object like a matchbox or a cork will
work. You want this object to be small, light, grippy and standardized in
its outer dimensions. You need a thickness of less than 20mm, there is not
much space down there.
This technique works for the vertical alignement.

Horizontal alignement can be done just by looking at the drive shaft from
the back, it is kind of obvious if it is bent.
But if you want to measure the lateral gap, it is a little trickier. You
must pass your string over one of the DS center bearing bracket "leg" so
the string is at 3 or 9 o'clock of the DS. Then you'll see the need for a
small lightweight measuring device.

It looks difficult but once there, it all become obvious.

The part number I used is 26121206532 (26 12 1 206 532)

HTH,

Louis-Alain






                                                                           
             DGraber460 at aol.co                                             
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             2004-12-14 10:23                                      Subject 
                                       Re: [urq] Center bearing            
                                       replacement results                 
                                                                           
                                                                           
                                                                           
                                                                           
                                                                           
                                                                           






In a message dated 12/14/2004 8:16:26 A.M. Mountain Standard Time,
Louis-Alain_Richard at computerhorizons.com writes:

Recently, I replaced the center bearing support in my  car (the BMW part is
perfect, 38$CAN and takes about 1 hour with basic  tools).

The obvious result is less gear whine.

But one side  benefits (main benefit?) is no more knocking sound from under
over big  bumps. What I tought was the exhaust hitting the floor pan was
indeed the  driveshaft hitting the tunnel. The old rubber part was kinda
soft and the  DS could move a lot vertically and horizontally.
Once installed on the car,  the driveshaft is now way stiffer and the
alignement was easy. For this, I  used a string a 3 wine bottle corks (eh!
one use what is abondant in the  house!).

For those who doubt their center bearing is shot, give it this  test: if
there's no more vertical adjustment (no spacers at all), and you  can push
it easily upwards, it means the rubber part has sagged too much  and it is
time for a  replacement.

Cheers!

Louis-Alain