Propeller Shaft Support

Stevew · #1 (**permalink**) 12-12-2004, 10:26 PM

Hello All:

Can't help but notice that the preponderance of posts on the several BB's I participate in deal with the trials, tribulations and not nearly often enough, the joys, of owning older vehicles. In the immortal words of the Pythons, "Now, for something completely different!" To wit, some good news from Carson City, NV about our '87 QV. We got her in November of '03 from some wonderful folks in Novato, CA via Ebay, and after some serious time spent cleaning and shining, a variety of drivers, including offspring and special friends, have clocked over 10 thousand trouble free miles. Thanks to all (you may remember who you are) who helped me as a newbie not only in the purchasing decision but also in sorting out the few minor issues that arose early in the ownership experience.

One nagging problem, that persisted until last Thursday, was the annoying clunk that accompanied every launch. Diagnosed the problem as a deteriorated bushing on the propeller shaft central support and have had the repair parts (Centerline) in the garage for several months while I pondered the task of pressing on the new bearing. My '87 Toyota 4x4 P/U blew an oil seal on the right rear last week, and in the process of getting that situation put right, I met an ex Alfa/Fiat mechanic who came here from NJ about 10 years ago. Must admit I was a bit concerned about the NJ part, but the Toyota is back in business and after I pulled the drive shaft from the QV, my new found resource repaired that as well. Son Matt and I put the hardtop back on on Saturday (just in time for Sunday's 60 degree sunshine!) and with the prop shaft back in place, I am now able, with impunity, to lay down twin stripes of limited slip rubber after every red light (not really

).

Next task is R&R of the trailing arm bushings, as soon as I can score Alfa special tool A.2.0143 for rear spring assembly/dissaembly, or a reasonable facsimile thereof. Ideas?

Happy Holidays all, and hope you are enjoying your rides half as much as I do mine!

Steve Waclo

Bird · #2 (**permalink**) 12-13-2004, 05:53 AM

Steve,
Search past posts for removing the trailing arms/springs. The procedure is very straight forward and simple with a small floor jack. The time consuming part is getting the old bushings out and pressing the new ones in.

John B.

**papajam** · #3 (**permalink**) 12-13-2004, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stevew

...I met an ex Alfa/Fiat mechanic who came here from NJ about 10 years ago. Must admit I was a bit concerned about the NJ part, ...

GTD · #4 (**permalink**) 12-13-2004, 06:43 AM

Steve
Go to your local AUTO ZONE store and they will loan you a spring compressor-free of charge. You have to leave a deposit which is refunded upon the tools return.

**John M** · #5 (**permalink**) 12-13-2004, 06:54 AM

Hey Steve:

Long time no hear. Glad to hear everything is going well over there in NV. I will echo your sentiment. I have been driving the lights out of my 92 since purchased July of 2003. 14000 miles since then and pretty trouble free. Really only a few things had to be replaced (not bad for a 13 y.o. car). Water pump, belts, and mufflers (originals). Well...then I did knock the oil pans off...but that wasn't my or the car's fault.

Lots of zooming around over here and so far reliable.

Best Regards,
John M

Stevew · #6 (**permalink**) 12-13-2004, 04:09 PM

Thanks all for the advice on the trailing arm job. Will search the old threads.

Stevew