Earlier cars...prop shaft question

[jon h]

My car is going in to the garage next week to sort a gear box oil leak. Talking to the guys there, I am told that earlier cars (mine being May 97) had a different prop shaft to later cars that can cause problems:

Apparently, they consist of 2 tubes, one inside the other, one connected to the diff, one the the gearbox output shaft. The tubes are sleeved one inside the other and, as described to me "the gap between them filled with rubber" This was designed to reduce vibrations. The net effect is that if the rubber deteriorates, the propshaft can shorten and pull off the splined shaft at the back of the box, or at least along the shaft, causing the oil seal to leak as it has nothing to seal onto. Apparently, there is no mechanical connection between the 2 tubes, just the rubber compound. It has been suggested that I swap to the later solid prop-shaft if it is found that the earler type is fitted to my car.

I have not come across this issue before on this forum, and a search has thrown nothing up. Anyone come across this, or have any idea from what date the solid props were fitted

Thanks in advance

Jon H

[speed8]

I never heard of that one, mine was a '96. I did hear there could be balancing problems on the early props that showed up as a vibration at certain revs or something like that. Never heard of the rubber problem though.

[longbow]

My propshaft is on the shelf in the garage - I'll have a look at it tommorow for you and let you know, but I seriously doubt that the torque will be transmitted by a rubber jointing compound!!!!!!

[jon h]

longbow said:

... but I seriously doubt that the torque will be transmitted by a rubber jointing compound!!!!!!

Well, that's what I thought, but the information is from a reputable indie.

Jon H

[350matt]

This method has been used for many years, and works well a thin coating of rubber over a long distance will have a high shear value, there are many cars which use rubber donuts to transmit drive torque.

Matt

[longbow]

Ok Jon, I've got a couple of pictures of the ends of the prop if you want to have a look - email me and I'll forward them on (couldn't send via PH!). Both UJs at each end are definitely welded onto the outer casing, so not sure about the rubber compound business. There could be more to it, but from the outside it looks fairly simple. Mine's an early 97 model, so it is possbile yours may be different though.....

[jon h]

longbow said:

Ok Jon, I've got a couple of pictures of the ends of the prop if you want to have a look - email me and I'll forward them on (couldn't send via PH!). Both UJs at each end are definitely welded onto the outer casing, so not sure about the rubber compound business. There could be more to it, but from the outside it looks fairly simple. Mine's an early 97 model, so it is possbile yours may be different though.....

Thanks a lot, YHM.

Jon