New propshaft, mysterious vibration solved! 2003 XC70

[Blacklab467]

I've had an unusual vibration for about 6 mounts now. It starts at exactly 86 Kph (50 MPH) and seems to settle down by about 100 KPH (62 MPH) that I've long suspected was coming from the propshaft. Today I removed the propshaft to test drive it without and sure enough the vibration disappeared.........success! I've been looking at prices for a new propshaft and they're well north of $1000 USD so I thought I'd head to the pick n pull and take my chances on a good used one. Stars must have aligned for me today, I found this beauty of an XC with an almost brand new one! The date stamp on the sticker says 03 06 2021, the paperwork still in the glovebox shows it having been replaced 14 months ago at the dealership, what a score.

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I managed to get it off in less than an hour and headed home to install it. When lined up beside the old one it becomes apparent the condition its in, even the paint isn't rusty yet!

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I think this is the cause of hard to find driveline vibrations: The supporting rubber has deteriorated and is sagging in the frame, the new one keeps the driveshaft right in the middle.

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A very successful day on the tools and only $65 spent to solve a long nagging problem. Removing and installing the propshaft is probably one of my least favourite jobs on these cars but having had mine in and out a few times I've found a pretty efficient technique.

[scot850]

That saggy center support will be your issue on the old shaft. Great score on that shaft!

Neil.