I'm systematically chasing some drivetrain vibration and am leaning towards my 230k original driveline at this point (not wheel balance, not axle cups) but before i waste money on another one I wanted to verify that there should be absolutely no play between ends? Ive got maybe 1/8" of back and forth play between both flange ends which isn't much, but i dont recall there ever being any at all, and may be enough to be causing the vibration im feeling on the freeway if it shouldn't be there. Can anyone familiar enough verify this for me? Billman? I'm talking if you solid clamp both flange ends of shaft so no backlash movement from trans or diff, should the center shaft portion of driveline still have a small amount of play back and forth or not? Thanks much.

 

Anyone?

 

Id pull propeller shaft and split the ends, if there's no grease in it then I'm sure you'll have some vibration. The propeller shaft should be tight without play. Most cars I see have a little play. I recently replaced mine with a lower mile OEM and no play. Its like an axle.

 

That's what I intend to do once I can get these last two stripped bolts out. Curious what the grease situation looks like, but might be too late, could just be worn out. I was thinking of picking up a lower mile used one of ebay for $150 which there seems to be plenty of thankfully, but wanted to confirm there was supposed to be absolutely no play first before I ordered, then I can also know if I got a good replacement or not as well. Thanks for the reply.

 

No problem, DSS makes a drive shaft with U joints on one end and Porsche style cup on trans side. Its a lot more solid for sure. They have carbon, aluminum and steel. Id just purchase the steel honestly if interested in going aftermarket.

 

Front to back movement of the shaft center is normal.

 

Not the play I'm referring to. I'm talking rotational play back and forth. The center spins back and forth about 1/8 with each cv end fixed so no trans or rear end gear lash at play, its all in the drive line center I'm seeing. Thanks for chiming in.

 

Not interested in spending money on aftermarket, just want to make sure the play I'm feeling is not supposed to be there so I know to replace with oem. I got 230k miles out of oem, that works for me. I'm not boosted anymore.

 

Sounds good! Be aware of propeller shafts that have slung grease out. TAE Used auto parts is pretty decent for picking up used S2000 parts with mileage. Good luck with your fix!

 

Thank you!