Re: bmw-digest V9 #194

[John Fountaine <jfount@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Well I jacked up the rear end of the car, chocked the front tires really
well, and spun the rear wheels.  I noticed the noise seems to be coming
from the area of transmission/drive shaft.  It sounds like there is some
play in there.  I put my hands up there where the two meet, and came out
oil covered.  Now I haven't noticed any leaking transmission fluid on the
garage floor but there is a pretty good buildup at the intersecting point.
Is this normal?

I grabbed the driveline and turned it by hand as much as I could, and can
definitely hear the noise. Finally as a final test...with the rear end
jacked up I started the car and put it in reverse.  With the tires
spinning, I could pinpoint the noise coming from the area I had suspected.

My question is, can this be a problem with the trans.?  It isn't exhibiting
any signs of failure, no slipping, seems to be shifting fine etc.  Or is it
where the splined end of the driveline inserts into the trans.? If this is
the case, what is the best and worse case scenario repair?  Last idea I
have...could it be a failing U-joint?

As always, thanks in advance for the info.

John F
95 525iA 70k mi.

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End of bmw-digest V9 #199
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