Having an issue with a new rear driveshaft.

For history, a few months back noticed the center bearing was shot. Got a new bearing and had a shop swap it out on the shaft. For a few weeks life was good but then started to get some heavy vibrations from the driveline. Shop had a look and said it was coming from the driveshaft. Ordered a new driveshaft, GKN from LRDirect. Had it fitted the other day. I am now getting a rumbling/vibration between 50-65mph. Feel it coming through the frame. Otherwise smooth above or below this speed band.

Anyone face similar issues after changing out the shaft? In previous research I thought I came across something similar and believe they loosened off the center bearing mount and adjusted it if it was perhaps skewed. Can't seem to find that thread and not sure there is any adjustment to be had there.

 

Did you go under and inspect for loose or missing bolts? A new shaft should be without issue. But there has been at least once incident where someone had the same issue only to find the bolts were not tightened right and one or two went missing. Of course the vibration may not be related to the shaft at all, control arm bushings or sticking calipers can cause the same sensation. And being a unibody on frame design, vibrations like to travel. I am not aware of any center support adjustment as it simply floats the shaft and in itself has a lot of play.

 

Garage is indicating when they installed the driveshaft they noticed the U-joint was a little loose in the flange. They say they pressed it in tight and tack welded it in place to ensure it holds as they are staked in.

Really wish they would have advised of a potential issue with the shaft earlier. Any thoughts on small tack welds throwing off the balance of the shaft?

 

Are you kidding me? First if an authentic GKN/Spicer shaft I very, very much doubt it would have shipped with a defect like that. Second, it is really easy to punch a small spot to secure it. Welding should never been done. I would think even with a quick stick it could cause damage to the needle bearings behind the cap. I would tell them to order another shaft and replace it.

 

Wish I were. I've been out of country while this work has been going on. Fairly certain it is an official GKN. Paid the premium for it from LRdirect and shop confirms the packaging had GKN on it. Trying to ship the shaft back to the UK from Canada is cost prohibitive and a lot of downtime. They are going to drop the shaft and verify everything is centered. May need to look at a different garage or see about taking it somewhere to be balanced.

 

Did you order the driveshaft, or the shop? If the driveshaft was faulty, the shop should have sent it back, not cobble together a half-assed solution involving a welder and a hammer. What in the heck were they even thinking?

I'm pretty sure the original driveshaft was better than the one the shop bungled into OP's car. OP, you should tell the shop to install your original driveshaft back in there (assuming they didn't just toss it into a scrap bin) and fine someone more competent. The shop can deal with returning the driveshaft they ordered and LRdirect can admire the shop's "handiwork", and then deny the shop's refund.

If you have an independent shop ("indie" shops for short), that specializes in just Land Rover cars near your area, that would be preferred. If not, you might have to look into doing the whole thing yourself, which is possible but not for the weak of body.

 

Unfortunately I was the one who ordered. Previous shaft had been making a fair bit of noise and heavy vibrating so from what I am told from who drove the vehicle after the change, the new is much improved except for the 50-65mph window there remains a droning lighter vibration.

No specialized Land Rover shops in my area, it has been challenging to find a decent shop to work on it. It has bounced around a few over the years and the latest has had the most success is solving nagging issues that others could not diagnose.

I don't get back in country for another week so will have to see then if they have made any progress. This is an 07 with only 86K miles on it, had 56K when I picked it up 5 years ago. I do feel however this particular one has been more of a lemon than standard LR reliability. Shop visits tend to take much longer than expected and the constant downtime and $ has me ready to throw in the towel on it. Such a great vehicle when functioning properly though

 

I dont doubt your old shaft caused vibrations, but there can be other causes. Look at the control arm bushings and brakes. Those two systems can also cause vibrations at speed. A sticking caliper can cause vibrations as well as control arm, mainly front lowers. Just to rule those things out, what is that status of those? Old, new, new OEM, new aftermarket? And maybe you mentioned those already, I have a hell of a cold right now and dont feel like reading over again. lol

 

Don’t know why everyone wants a GKN when there seems to be a short lifespan and issues with this OE part. I got a different brand when mine was replaced, no issues.

 

Well they ship from factor with GKN/Spicer. Not sure what you mean by short lifespan. Mine has been fine so have most others. Care to post some links showing these GKN shafts are an issue with a short lifespan and proof yours will last just as long as OEM?