I was quoted $540.00 plus tax and shipping from mazdaspeed for my miata driveshaft. So I'm thinking of trying something else.I've had it done on a BMW driveshaft years ago but I no longer live near the shop that did it. Anybody done it themselves? I'm thinking cut out the old joints with a torch, file down the dimples,replace u-joint (i have a part # that fits) and either spot weld the new joints or weld a slug in the end cavity. squirt some extra grease and win.
Thoughts?
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Oct. 12, 2011 5:45 p.m. pitbull113 Reader
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Oct. 12, 2011 5:47 p.m. Cone_Junky HalfDork
I have those on my Nissan, about the same price to get it rebuilt too. My solution was to buy a one piece aluminum driveshaft for $300 from Shaftmasters.
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Oct. 12, 2011 5:50 p.m. darkbuddha Reader
My XR4TI has the same kinda deal. I recently frag'd the rear u-joint so I think I'm gonna take it to a local driveshaft shop and have 'em machine it for snap rings and replaceable u-joints. Gotta be cheaper than a new driveshaft.
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Oct. 12, 2011 6:08 p.m. pitbull113 Reader
unfortunately this is an SCCA ITA car so no aluminum driveshaft for me. the one shop I went to that does driveline work wouldn't touch it and I'm relatively new to the area so all my connections are 1100 miles away. by all means anybody that knows of a good shop that can handle this in north florida or south east georgia i'm open to getting it done professionally , i really just want it done right. but not $600 right
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Oct. 12, 2011 8:18 p.m. Dr. Hess SuperDork
There are U-Joints made to replace "non-replaceable" U-Joints. Toyota's come with those, and you just drive the old ones out and put the new ones in. The circlips fit on the inside of the yokes on the new ones. A proper driveshaft shop should have those.
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Oct. 12, 2011 8:28 p.m. Streetwiseguy Dork
One of the problems you may find is balance- Those u joints, just like the glued GM ones, are done that way so the factory can ram and weld the shaft and yoke together with no precision, then align and center everything and stake the joint in place after the fact. If there is a joint available with internal snap rings, its worth a try, if they need to be tack welded or restaked, mount the shaft in the car and use a dial indicator to center everything.
It may end up being worthwhile to pay a pro or find somebody who does exchange shafts.
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Oct. 12, 2011 8:32 p.m. Chas_H New Reader
Not sure why you need a MS driveshaft. Servicable, used, Miata drive shafts are availble for about $100.
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Oct. 12, 2011 8:43 p.m. SkinnyG HalfDork
Probably can get from your local drivetrain specialist. I got mine through Coast Powertrain, specializes in rig drivetrains.
I've done both non-replaceable u-joints on my Nissan Hardbody, and one on a Corolla GT-S driveshaft.
Tip - use a hydraulic press. Seriously.
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Oct. 12, 2011 9:28 p.m. Junkyard_Dog Dork
+eleventybillion for Rockford! Hooked me up with my custom Getrag rear end Miata swap.
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Oct. 13, 2011 6:04 p.m. pitbull113 Reader
Thanks for the responses. Haven't made a decision yet but i'm leaning towards used. Car won't be finished for a couple of months so I have time to make a decision.
