Like any old girl you pick up, she's going to have some issues from the past right?

 

I have browsed before i joined and i have read but i wanted some feedback on my efforts so far...

My new Z is an '89 import, NA and running large exhausts on the rear, split rims and a K&N. Upon purchasing the Z i was pleased, i ran her for a good 10 miles before handing over the cash, unbeknownst to me, the problems existed later.

Up around the 80mph mark on the motorway home i noticed a slight thump (speed related) and assumed it was perhaps a bearing (collapsed or worn). After some more thought, i realised it to be more likely the prop shaft.

I have read some pages online since then and know that the Z has a problem with the center prop bearing and subsequently the gear box mount bracket. This is what i feels like to me. Very central, speed related and increases in severity on longer journeys.

 

I've stopped driving the car now, she is in the local garage for inspection. Firstly, my mechanic is competent but i am concerned that he won't know 100% unless he knows A, exactly what he's doing, or B, he goes out and drives the thing for a long journey.

Secondly, am i going about this the right way. I live in Gloucestershire and i imagine that there is someone that i could take the Z to and they would have an experienced opinion on my issue.

That's the main point really, i want this to be sorted ASAP.

 

The first thing i was going to tackle is the exhausts, someone in the past has binned the original and stuck on some hideous back box with two huge loud pipes. I love a good V6 noise but this makes the car sound like it's trying to hard. I want something after market but not pipes the size of a new born child...could someone recommend me a set? Second hand or otherwise. I guess whilst I'm here, anyone interested in the system i have?

 

This is she...

 

Please let me know if this isn't the right place for this post. Cheers

Hi mate. The centre bearing is a relatively easy job to carry out and will cost new £120-£150. Your description and self diagnosis does seem to point to the bearing/gearbox mount. My car had the exact symptoms at a slightly lower speed, but be sure that your wheels are also straight and balanced as a guy on here had similar but after changing the centre bearing it ended up being a slightly elliptic rim. Anyway, what are you doing travelling at 80MPH??

 

- - - Updated - - -

 

Please let me know if this isn't the right place for this post. Cheers

 

Yes it is buddy

Welcome to the club and im sure you will get all the little niggles sorted.

I have a scorpion cat back system im selling, they have twin pipes on each silencer, similar to the look of OEM, in the for sale section.

 

As suggested check the centre prop bearing for condition and play, if it looks off centre, then this will cause vibration at around 40 mph and if anything like my old one, completely shot and sounded like someone was under the car with a hammer at speed lol

Just reading your post again, you say a thump! Centre bearing is more of a rumble, not too diferent to when a wheel bearing is worn, if you know what I mean. Not so much of a single thump??

 

Just a thought to keep in mind; you will have to remove the exhausts to get to the Centre bearing, so if you are going to change your exhaust, maybe you could tackle the bearing at the same time as not to have to remove a newly installed sytem along with gaskets etc.

Edited October 8, 201510 yr by Osty1

If the rubber on the bearing is shot and i mean virtually fallen apart, it will thud, i had it happen to me before i changed to a one piece prop :thumbup1:

Thanks Osty...the 300ZX certainly has a deceptive engine tone...I struggle trying to match sound with speed right now! :S

I am having the wheels checked over as well as i was hoping it was just that. The wheels are extremely tatty unfortunately, if anyone is selling a set on here, I'm interested. Thanks for your input...could you point me in the right direction to pick up that bearing at that price?

Thanks

 

 

Yes it is buddy

Just reading your post again, you say a thump! Centre bearing is more of a rumble, not too diferent to when a wheel bearing is worn, if you know what I mean. Not so much of a single thump??

 

Just a thought to keep in mind; you will have to remove the exhausts to get to the Centre bearing, so if you are going to change your exhaust, maybe you could tackle the bearing at the same time as not to have to remove a newly installed sytem along with gaskets etc.

 

I have been contemplating doing the job myself once correctly diagnosed. I don't think it would be too much trouble but i'm not sure i have the kit to be able to get me out of trouble.

You're right about the exhaust job, perhaps i should do it all in one go. Which gaskets am i going to have to consider?

If the rubber on the bearing is shot and i mean virtually fallen apart, it will thud, i had it happen to me before i changed to a one piece prop :thumbup1:

 

The car is very low and I haven't yet had the time to take a look to see if mine is two parts or one. Is it likely to be a two piece prop??

Welcome to the club and im sure you will get all the little niggles sorted.

I have a scorpion cat back system im selling, they have twin pipes on each silencer, similar to the look of OEM, in the for sale section.

 

As suggested check the centre prop bearing for condition and play, if it looks off centre, then this will cause vibration at around 40 mph and if anything like my old one, completely shot and sounded like someone was under the car with a hammer at speed lol

 

Very interested Groover. How do i get in touch with you personally? PM or number?

Cheers

Very interested Groover. How do i get in touch with you personally? PM or number?

Cheers

 

To use the pm system you need to be a subscribed member mate.

http://www.300zx.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?172326-Club-Subscription

Very interested Groover. How do i get in touch with you personally? PM or number?

Cheers

 

groover@300zx.co.uk

 

You will have the standard two piece prop as the one piece is a custom mod, normally to eliminate the centre bearing and IIRC value for pound spent, a long term solution over a new bearing and fitment :thumbup1:

They're quite rare wheels mate I'd think about getting them refurbed. Although i wouldn't split the rims if you can help it as it will end up costing you a lot more money.

I have been contemplating doing the job myself once correctly diagnosed. I don't think it would be too much trouble but i'm not sure i have the kit to be able to get me out of trouble.

You're right about the exhaust job, perhaps i should do it all in one go. Which gaskets am i going to have to consider?

 

DIY removal; No specialist tools required.

 

Tools:

Socket set, ramps and axle stands.

 

Spares:

Centre bearing, exhaust gaskets (if required) and exhaust sealant paste

 

You can do this job on your own, however with 2 it makes it SAFER and quicker, and will make exhaust removal easier. Please, please please......safety first!

 

Get the car up in the air with handbrake on, rear wheels off the ground. You'll need to get it high enough so that you can position yourself directly under the car, comfortably.....sort of.

 

1. Remove exhaust from the cats back.

2. Remove the Exhaust heat shield if fitted,you will need to give the shield a good old wiggle to get it over the rear of the remaining front (CAT)down pipes.

3. You will now see the Propshaft in all her glory. MARK A LINE ALONG THE JOINTS IN THE PROP AND THE GEARBOX including the Universal Joint to allow for realignment, use chalk or a paint pen.

4. Remove 2 of the UJ bolts (the universal joint halfway along the prop), take off handbrake and rotate prop to get to the other 2 bolts,19 mm I think. Leave one bolt in with the nut on finger tight.

5. Remove the centre bearing housing bolts x2, supporting the weight of the PROP. There should be 2 large shim washers fitted, take notice where the large shims sit.

6. Ensure that you push/slide the prop toward the diff/rear of the car.

7. Undo the last uj bolt (the one you left finger tight). Do not allow the prop to fall and bounce off your bonce at this time, a lesson learnt.

8. Split the PROP and remove the forward portion along with the bearing, the rear can/will hang in place but give it a push rearwards to ensure it remains conected to the Diff.

9. The bearing will either slide off the front of the propshaft or you may have to give it a tap, soak with lubricant if it is being stubborn

 

As for where to get the bearing, MJP on this forum (Mike)http://www.300zx.co.uk/forums/forumdisplay.php?42-Official-Traders-Forums

 

or Zed Centre http://www.zcentre.co.uk/

 

You could try a second hand one but obviously there is no guarantee.

Just a quick one about your exhausts.

Before you go looking for a full new system, check to see if yours still has the Cats fitted.

I know from experience that a NA car is loud and awful sounding with decats on.

Just a quick one about your exhausts.

Before you go looking for a full new system, check to see if yours still has the Cats fitted.

I know from experience that a NA car is loud and awful sounding with decats on.

 

Agreed. The NA creates a lot of resonance and are a more raspy sounding engine. They sound better with the cats on.

They're quite rare wheels mate I'd think about getting them refurbed. Although i wouldn't split the rims if you can help it as it will end up costing you a lot more money.

 

Are you interested in buying them from me Mogsy? :biggrin:

Quick update for anyone interested. My mechanic called yesterday and said indeed the prop bearing is knakard, so i'll need a replacement.

Would you guys be able to point me in the right direction?

 

Cheers :thumbup:

MJP in our trade section for a new bearing :thumbup1:

MJP in our trade section for a new bearing :thumbup1:

 

Just on the site now but struggling to find it?

DIY removal; No specialist tools required.

 

As for where to get the bearing, MJP on this forum (Mike)http://www.300zx.co.uk/forums/forumdisplay.php?42-Official-Traders-Forums

 

or Zed Centre http://www.zcentre.co.uk/

 

You could try a second hand one but obviously there is no guarantee.

 

Thanks for all the advice on the work mate, really gives me a good idea of what i'm up against.

I'm having a look for the bearing now...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NISSAN-OEM-300ZX-Z32-90-96-Center-Support-Bearing-37521-33P29-Non-Turbo-NEW-/331652488524?hash=item4d38075d4c

 

Mine is an '89 but is there any reason why i shouldn't buy this one?

I've been quote £177 from Nissan direct and it'll be here by the 26th October, and MJP is about the same, if not more...closer to £190

Are you interested in buying them from me Mogsy? :biggrin:

 

How much you asking for them?

Not Oem but a lot cheaper if you are on a budget

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PROPSHAFT-CARRIER-CENTRE-BEARING-NISSAN-300ZX-1990-1996-30mm-X-145mm-13-/331597139243?hash=item4d34bacd2b

 

If you decide on the Oem you are better off with the complete single piece prop

Hi Mike, link as promised for the exhaust

 

http://www.300zx.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?181183-Scorpion-exhaust&highlight=scorpion

How much you asking for them?

 

I honestly don't know, I'll find out the make and size shall i and maybe you could make an offer? Unless you already know what they are :)