_AWD members, check you propeller shaft_

['Curly Q Links']

At eight years of age (and 130,000 Km) the propeller shaft in my '01 has now been removed to the garage floor because it failed (my) inspection yesterday.

At highway speed it was making a slight vibration which I could feel through the seat of my pants. It was also made a 'clang' once or twice while turning / reversing. The rear U-joint was rust-red on one end when I looked under there, so I unbolted both ends of the shaft and sure enough, both U-joints were 'notchy' and / or stiff to swivel. They are supposed to swivel smoothly, like a baby's wrist (maybe a bit stiffer, but not notchy).

That's the ONLY way you can diagnose a bad propeller shaft, you have to unbolt both ends and see if the U-joints will swivel freely. If your mechanic tells you otherwise, do it yourself. Even if you decide to remove the shaft completely, it only takes a few minutes, even on your driveway.

Unbolt the REAR connection first, (after marking alignment with a pin punch or paint marker)

Now I'll take the time to find a cheaper source for the Rockford U-joints, or equivalent.

http://www.rockforddriveline.com/new.htm I feel I paid a little too much for them last time I rebuilt a CR-V prop shaft.

Its Summertime, and the V rides smoother, quieter, and a few pounds lighter in the meantime.

Keep in mind the damage you can do to the transfer case or the rear differential if you delay removing the bad shaft. The imbalance and inflexibility of the u-joint will start reaming out the bushing / bearing along with the seals. Another member shredded his rear differential in this manner.