Propshaft centre bearing split - 1300 quid

[James..]

Hi all, My beloved 07 plate RAV XT4 is soldiering on, but recently giving it an MOT, the garage noted that the bearing bush that supports the centre propshaft has split. Now, I haven't had a chance to examine it yet to see if they are taking the mickey, but it appears that for this crappy bearing on this particular car, you have to replace the entire propshaft, centre bearing and all.

Bizarrely there seem to be kits online for the centre bearing and its support, and yet every Toyota expert I've talked to says you need to replace the whole thing, cardan shaft an all, as it doesn't come apart. ....for £1300. Now, I could just run the car until it fails, and who knows, it may well last several thousand miles, BUT I'd like to fix it as the rest of the car is still looking good.

So, can anyone recommend a good OEM parts specialist or propshaft specialist who might be willing to take on the challenge of replacing this support bearing (or supply a replacement at a less eye watering price?) It doesn't feel great to be in a Toyota engineered obsolescence trap yet again!

thanks!

 

[gjnorthall]

There are loads of prop shaft companies but I would suggest Firrow or Bailey Morris. These people repair, recondition or customise propshafts and will be able to help at reasonable cost.

[IanML]

This sort of thing is often the case with Japanese car makers.  They supply only "large" assemblies of suspension and drive components, but specialist parts stockers can often supply needed components provided you (or they) know the correct size.,  This is particularly true of synthetic rubber bushes - after all, the car maker does not manufacture them - he buys them in from component suppliers.

I have an independent garage down the lane who have catalogues of such things, and can identify sizes and order the needed components.

[James..]

19 hours ago, gjnorthall said:

There are loads of prop shaft companies but I would suggest Firrow or Bailey Morris. These people repair, recondition or customise propshafts and will be able to help at reasonable cost.

Thanks I'll check them out...:-)

 

[James..]

19 hours ago, IanML said:

This sort of thing is often the case with Japanese car makers.  They supply only "large" assemblies of suspension and drive components, but specialist parts stockers can often supply needed components provided you (or they) know the correct size.,  This is particularly true of synthetic rubber bushes - after all, the car maker does not manufacture them - he buys them in from component suppliers.

I have an independent garage down the lane who have catalogues of such things, and can identify sizes and order the needed components.

ian - I've tried the independent route, but they all tell me the entire assembly is needed.. so I think a propshaft specialist is needed. You're right though, the kit is available for 30 quid to replace the whole bearing, mount, rubber bushes and support. Nobody seems to know how to fit it though - that's the problem!

[LittleDrBob]

I realise this thread is old, but I have a very similar problem and wondered what the outcome was for you.  Did you sort it without paying such a high price?

On 6/23/2018 at 7:16 PM, James.. said:

ian - I've tried the independent route, but they all tell me the entire assembly is needed.. so I think a propshaft specialist is needed. You're right though, the kit is available for 30 quid to replace the whole bearing, mount, rubber bushes and support. Nobody seems to know how to fit it though - that's the problem!

Thanks in advance.

[IanML]

 

Just guessing here, but probably you grind the original off the shaft (carefully), and the replacement comes in two pieces and is assembled onto the shaft.  Definitely a job for the specialist, because of the grinding.  I wouldn't like to try with a hand-held tool, but I can envisage a bench-mounted machine-tool doing the job.

[oldcodger]

This 2021 uk ytube shows how it can be done, though you will probably need a ramp or pit and a good assortment of tools etc.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jNY_5HUZec

[LittleDrBob]

Thanks OldCodger - that certainly helps convince me that replacing just the centre bearing (and not the whole propshaft) is possible, if not as straightforward as the Haynes makes it look. Like the guy in the video (Liam Cox) says - lots of people on forums and in garages saying it can't be done.

[oldcodger]

Think it depends on what facilities and tools you have, though as you can see from Liams video getting  some tools like a long jaw puller and a diy  bed for holding the prop shaft firmly would make things easier.

Seems you can buy just the bearing or a more complete kit which would probably be the better option.

If you do not have a ramp or pit, getting the car up onto 4 wheel ramps, may give you enough access ?  Bought an extra second hand pair to do just that when I replaced the clutch on mine.

Seems marking the parts is very important if you want to retain good balance of the whole shaft assembly.

Be interesting to hear if you go ahead with the repair  ...

[LittleDrBob]

Promise I'll let people know how it goes; if I decide to go ahead. which I probably will now I've confirmed it can be done. It's a bit of a deal-breaker on a RAV I've just bought, so I've been desperately trying to get the real SP on this issue i.e. can you replace bearing only or the complete propshaft assemby. Lot's of £££s involved for a pensioner like myself.

[oldcodger]

Just needs a bit of planning like went I replaced the clutch.

First watched the ytubes etc and got the right tools, in your case a puller , some circlip tools and those clips for the rubber boot and grease etc. plus something to hold the whole shaft firmly in place while you work on it.

Then do a test run under the car and give all the bolts a clean and spray with pentrating fuild so they come out ok next day.

Would allow yourself a couple of days when you do not need the car but can get some parts/tools ordered up quickly if you come unstuck.

Plenty of hot bath water for muscle and joint easing after spending a day under the car etc !