Rubber Coupling / Dampner on Drive Shaft

[VXIIS]

Hi All,

I'm in the process of sorting out some drive line slack issue that I have - (on my VX S non LSD)

After having the car looked at, I have been told it could be the rubber coupling on the drive shaft (the one close to the transmission) - becasue everythng else is tight - all of the other joints.

I know a few people on here have had to replace their rubber couplings, but can anyone advise whether this contributes to any slack, when the rubber is worn?

Also, having looked at my rubber coupling, it doesn't look too bad, and hence am wondering how can one really tell when the rubber coupling is in a condition to be replaced? - ie. perhaps has too much flex in it but looks properly attached etc.

Appreciate any feedback.

Thank you.

[ROARZ]

The coupling is a pretty solid piece of rubber, and even if it softens with age, there really isn't that much room in it's design to allow it to be "slack". The design is such that you would have to twist the rubber at an angle to vertical for it to produce slack, and stretching it in that way (hard to do) wouldn't feel like slack as it would "snap back" into place like an elastic band.

What's your definition of slack? Backlash type of sound or feeling?

I don't think those rubber couplings are very expesive, so you could always replace it and see. Just need to drop the drive shaft to do it (a little fiddly). The six bolts on the coupling a pretty easy to do yourself.

[VXIIS]

Thanks for your reply ROARZ. The sound is more of like a backlash (although there is no excessive freeplay in the tailshaft/diff/joints etc). I would think its's perhaps waht some people refer to as shunting - a noise which perhaps occurs as the tail shaft begins to spin, and makes contact and drives the diff.

[Doug]

I've had the front tailshaft coupling replaced at 140K on my VTII. I was shown the freeplay at the time while the car was up on a hoist, and it was dramatic. Cost $380 to replace, and quietened down the amount of noise I was getting from my driveline.

At that price, you would want to be certain there was a problem though..

[BLACK 346]

I have had mine replaced twice and as Doug said
they are not cheap. My last one lasted 20k. If
it does let go completely you can say bye bye
tailshaft :wave: So I would make sure it is
100% ok.

[Oldmonroman]

Is there a adjustment to line up the Geabox to Tailshaft when re-fitting the gearbox or they just re-fit the gearbox and thats it with no adjustment.