[V8] replacement driveshaft

[Buchholz, Steven]

... I don't have BTDT on the V8 propshaft, but IMO (and E on other
quattros) the propshafts are quite rebuildable, and the job should cost
nowhere near even $400.  You might even want to try some of the
recyclers to see what their cost is.  That way you could rebuild one to
swap into your car without taking it out of service ... then if you
didn't want a propshaft cluttering the garage you could rebuild the one
you pull and sell it (doing the second will be worlds easier than the
first ;-) ... or sell it in its current state for someone else to
rebuild.  You should be able to see my various postings by searching the
archives.  

Probably the biggest risk in the undertaking is finding a carrier
bearing with the proper mounting bracket ... I guess secondarily is
finding a source for the U-joint ... it sounds like BMW makes carrier
bearings that are at least similar.  Unlike Audi, BMW understands that
the part will wear and sell repair parts rather than assuming it is a
consumable ...

Steve B
San Jose, CA (USA)
> 
> Recently had some service performed on my 1990 v8 (thanks again,
Jeremy,
> for the Matrix tip - they're great!) and the chirping noise I've been
> hearing under low acceleration is the driveshaft, which needs
> replacement. The garage quoted $1,300+ for a new one (even though Audi
> does not show one being in the US); I did a web search and found
> reconditioned driveshafts at around $400 + core. Does anyone have any
> experience w/ rebuilt drive shafts/any recommendations for purchase?