Driveshaft installation

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Oct 22, 2010 | 05:19 PM

Thomastp

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From: Milford CT

Driveshaft installation

I have a 94 coupe six speed. I'm in the process of installing the slip yoke on the driveshaft. I have a balance weight on one end of the shaft. Where does it go,towards the differential or the transmission? Does it make any difference?

Oct 25, 2010 | 10:19 PM

SJW

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From: Central Maryland

The balancing weight should be at the rear end of the shaft. Install the u-joint into the driveshaft first, then install the yoke on the u-joint. Be sure the u-joints you're installing have the anti-galvanic coating on them.

Live well,

SJW

Oct 25, 2010 | 11:06 PM

rodj

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Quote:

Originally Posted by SJW

The balancing weight should be at the rear end of the shaft.

Why?

Oct 26, 2010 | 11:33 PM

SJW

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From: Central Maryland

Quote:

Originally Posted by rodj

Why?

That's where the factory placed it. As well, the FSM procedure for balancing a shaft using the two-hose-clamp method instructs that the clamps should be placed at the rear of the shaft. I don't recall ever seeing a balance weight at the front of a shaft in any car. I, too, have often wondered why this is, but never bothered to ask anybody who knows the answer.

Live well,

SJW

Oct 27, 2010 | 02:25 AM

rodj

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Quote:

Originally Posted by SJW

I don't recall ever seeing a balance weight at the front of a shaft in any car.

My C4 DS (stock ) has a weight at both ends.
Which one goes at the rear?

Oct 27, 2010 | 08:35 AM

SJW

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From: Central Maryland

Quote:

Originally Posted by rodj

My C4 DS (stock ) has a weight at both ends.
Which one goes at the rear?

Good question! I can't answer that one. Maybe it really doesn't matter.

Live well,

SJW

Oct 27, 2010 | 07:07 PM

rodj

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From: Australia

Quote:

Originally Posted by SJW

Maybe it really doesn't matter.

My take on it.
The DS is balanced by itself to be neutral both ends so it shouldn't matter which end weight is at?

Oct 27, 2010 | 10:33 PM

SJW

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From: Central Maryland

Quote:

Originally Posted by rodj

My take on it.
The DS is balanced by itself to be neutral both ends so it shouldn't matter which end weight is at?

Makes sense to me. But are you sure the C4 shaft is neutral balanced? I'm wrestling with a driveshaft balance problem right now, and have been reading the FSM on this topic. It makes a point of instructing that the shaft should be installed with the paint mark on the shaft 180* opposite from the paint mark on the pinion shaft, saying that "This aligns the light side of the propeller shaft with the heavy side of the pinion yoke, minimizing residual unbalance."

Live well,

SJW

Last edited by SJW; Oct 27, 2010 at 10:41 PM.