driveshaft problems???

[L8-apexx]

Hey guys I am new on this board, and just purchased a '92 s13 with a red top sr20. About a week after the purchase, I started to hear a kind of click sound every time i dis-engage the clutch, now i dont think its a clutch problem (fairly new ORC Orgura clutch) because the clutch doesnt slip, and it shifts fine. I also checked the axles for any play, or busted grease seals. They are both fine, so i narrowed the problem down to thinking it might be a driveshaft U-joint. If it is a u-joint, and i need to get it replaced, about how much would it cost to get it done at a transmission shop? Thanks Alot.
David Zook:newbie:

[g6civcx]

It's probably the propeller shaft center bearing. Those fail over time and abuse. Also check out all the mounts to see if they're still in good shape.

You'll probably have to order a new kit and have the bearing pressed in. It will probably cost you around $600-700 to get it done.

Or you could get a one-piece driveshaft :)

[L8-apexx]

I found an aluminum driveshaft for like 450 bucks, would that solve my problem?

[smithers584]

are you talking about the center bearing inbetween the two shafts? if so, i think i paid around 100 bucks for one and pressed it in and out myself no problem, took about a hour to do it.

[VitaminT]

The u-joints are non replaceable in the stock driveshaft.

[L8-apexx]

so would buying an aluminum driveshaft eliminate this problem?

[NIK90s13]

If your center bering is out, the aluminum shaft willl eluminate the center bering, so if that is the problem than yes it will fix it.
Some people like the aluminum shaft some do'nt, you might hear it on here.

[g6civcx]

It's a cheaper fix than trying to fix a center bearing that's totally destroyed. Retail on all the parts to rebuild the center bearing was about $400.

[smithers584]

are you talking about the carrier bearing? im kinda confused, i hear it called carrier and center so.....anyways, 100 bucks from nissan, no rebuilding required if thats the case, but then your car would be vibrating pretty violently around 40 mphs.

[g6civcx]

All this crap you see here. If you're going to do it, I recommend replacing all new hardware and don't be cheap. A lot of S13s have this problem because people abuse them. You can actually move the shaft around with your hands. Imagine the motor kicking the shaft around and that's the noise and vibration you notice.

May want to consider a one-piece driveshaft for cost. Some don't like it because it's less forgiving than a 2-piece.

http://g6civcx.angryhosting.com/S13/Tech/PropellerShaft.jpg

[smithers584]

yeah that is exactly what i am talking about. i just replaced it on my s14, very simple procedure and like i said, about 100 dollars for everything you see around the center bearing except the companion flange. i just used my old on, but it came with the housing, all new bolts and everything. but, i do not think this the problem because like i said before, you should have a good amount of vibration in the vehicle at certain speeds and L8-apexx has not mentioned any type of vibration at all, unless i am reading it incorrectly. i think it may be related to your throw out bearing, mine makes a similar kind of click sound sometimes,and i know its bad on my car because of the sounds it makes other times haha. when you say disengage, you mean clutch pedal in or out. if you are disengaging the pedal, you are engaging the clutch you know what i mean.

[g6civcx]

You can do a quick visual inspection. If it's broken you can tap it with your hand and it'll shake all over the place.

[VitaminT]

Yeah I have a Drive Shaft Shop alum 1pc shaft and it is a little noisier. Maybe a tad harsher as well but pretty close to stock. You can just hear and slack and things like that through the shaft because it resonates sounds.