Propshaft UJ problem ?

[Nick3]

Greetings.
I'm just recently getting an occasional clanking/clanging noise when moving off, and a buzzing sound and bit of vibration, from the gearstick, when cruising.
I suspect a propshaft UJ. I've run the car up on car ramps, but still have little room to explore. The exhaust sits under the propshaft, which doesn't help.
I've heard that you can't replace MX5 propshaft UJ's, so before I begin a Oz-wide search for another propshaft, does anyone have any other thoughts ?
If it is the propshaft UJ's, does anyone know where I might be able to source a low-mileage propshaft ?
Thank You in advance.
Nick

[hks_kansei]

Unfortunately the factory shaft has fitted for life joints. My gf has to replace the shaft in her NA6 for the same reasons.
I'm pretty sure she inspected the OEM shaft to make 100% sure the joints weren't replacable.

Apparently it's not too expensive to have the factory shaft modified by a drivshaft shop to accept replacable joints (I believe they cut off the factory joints, attach new joints etc of a new type, then balance the lot ready to go into the car)

I think Sailaholic had this done.



As for secondhand shafts, I think there is an MX5 specialist in WA, has/had a purple NA from memory.
If not I have bought parts from Allmaz here in Vic, I believe they may happily post items interstate if you need it (granted, a tailshaft won't be cheap to post because of it's length)

[sailaholic]

I looked at having unis replaced. Only got 1 quote but it was 600 to cut and shut replaceable ones.

It would have been cheaper to import one from 949 racing (including shipping) with replaceable joints.

After talking to a few people including automotive plus it was suggested mine was ok and to just keep running it.

I didn't really have any slip or clunks but the uni was stiff and a bit notchy particularly when travelling past centre. Apparently this seems normal and problems generally turn up on cars with very loose joints.

End result I just kept using it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Nick3]

Thanks to hks_kansei and sailaholic for your advice.
I've posted another query re NA-NB propshaft compatibility and sourcing one.

[manga_blue]

I've been wondering about checking mine too because of some slackness in the drivetrain. A brand new genuine Mazda unit from Japan is listed at USD440 from Amayama. They range from USD700 to 1,000 from all the US Mazda dealers. Otherwise you might be able to trade your car plus a bit of cash to get a replacement unit from Mazda Australia.

http://www.amayama.com/search?q=+MF0425100

[slug_dub]

I bought a second hand one from Automotive plus for $50. I see them on eBay from other Mazda wreckers for under $100.
I swapped it with my original 350,000+ km one to absolutely no effect From the sounds of it in your other thread though you really do need a replacement...

It doesn't seem to be cost effective at all to bother with a new one when another second handy is relatively inexpensive.

All the driveshafts I've seen had some notchiness as sailaholic has mentioned, so I concur that they are probably supposed to be like that.

[Nick3]

Thanks to slug and manga.