Propshaft
Fits BMW 3 (E36) 320 i
(1991)

What is a propshaft?

Vehicles that are either rear wheel drive or four wheel drive have a propshaft that links the gearbox (transmission) to the rear wheels. The propshaft often has a support bearing to reduce vibration. There is a universal joint (UJ) on the propshaft that allows it to flex as the vehicle moves to prevent it from breaking.

There are several parts that make up the propshaft system. These are:

• Propshaft

• Propshaft bearing

• Propshaft mounting

• Propshaft joint / Universal Joint (UJ)

How do I choose the correct propshaft parts?

If you can obtain the original (OE) part numbers and compare them against matching parts then this is the best way of sourcing the correct replacements. Our website has an OE part number search function that will show parts that match.

Some vehicle brands provide the whole propshaft as a replacement and therefore do not list OE part numbers for individual components like universal joints (UJ). This makes finding the correct parts more difficult. There are situations where the part needs to be measured and those measurements compared against the replacement parts details.

Here are some factors to note when choosing your replacement propshaft parts:

• Number of gears (i.e. 5 speed or 6 speed etc)

• Manual or automatic transmission

• Engine code

• Transmission type / transmission code

• Check if part is listed for a specific OE part number. This would need to match

• The diameter, length and width of the universal joint

• Vehicle manufacture date (this is not the date the vehicle was registered but the date it was made

• Engine number sequence (up to or after as specific number/letter

• VIN (chassis number) sequence (up to or after as specific number/letter

What brand of propshaft parts should I choose?

Most vehicles on UK roads are front wheel drive. As a result rear wheel drive vehicles are less common. Add to that the fact that propshaft parts do not fail very often means there are not many aftermarket makers of replacement components. Brands such as Febi and Borg & Beck offer high quality replacement propshaft parts. Febi offer a 3 year warranty on their parts while Borg & Beck offer a 2 year warranty. The choice of which brand you buy is down to your budget and the correct parts availability.

How can I tell that my propshaft parts need replacing?

Problems with your propshaft can sometimes be self evident I.E. the propshaft has become detached. If you are not sure if you have issues with your propshaft system we would recommend that you have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic to receive an accurate diagnosis.

Some of the symptoms of a faulty propshaft, universal joint or propshaft bearing are:

• Vibration from the underside of the vehicle (propshaft is unbalanced)

• Loud knocking sound from the underside of the vehicle

• Vehicle vibrates while accelerating

• The propshaft has become detached

• Squeaking / humming noise from the underside of the vehicle that gets louder as the vehicle increases in speed