Drive shaft

[Surf65]

Hello Members,
I believe my drive shaft or Guibo is gone. I am hearing a loud clicking noise while in gear, similar to what a baseball card on a spoke of a bicycle rim might sound like. Would anyone have advice or know what to look for.

Thanks,
Matt

[124JOE]

jack it up in the rear put it on stands then turn the wheels and listen for it

it may be from the rear end diff"i hope not "
if it is DONT drive it any more.have it towed

[lglade]

The giubo connects the transmission to the driveshaft. Once you get enough clearance to slide under the car, look where the two parts come together and begin a detailed examination. If the car is supported on jack stands under the rear axle, and the car is in neutral, then you should be able to easily rotate the driveshaft. If either of the two parts is damaged, it should be pretty obvious. Giubos are cheap and easy to replace, so I hope that's the source of your noise.

[Surf65]

Thanks Gents, appreciate it.

[vandor]

I would not drive it until you inspect it. If the guibo fails the flopping driveshaft can cause a lot of damage. The guibo is basically a rubber donut, look at it, look for missing chunks and cracks.

[spidernut]

Here's what you're likely to find, but look for cracks or damage using a very bright shop light. Sometimes the cracks are hard to see...then again, sometimes they're not.

[lglade]

Replacement of the giubo is easy enough, that if you don't know its history then you should just plan to replace it at your earliest convenience...especially if the prior owner had deferred maintenance to other parts of the car. Mine looked good when I inspected it inside the car, but after getting it out I was able to find several developing cracks. It might have been able to go on for a few more years in it's condition, but you really just don't want this part to break under a load and at highway speed.

[Surf65]

Thanks again you esteemed knowledgeable bunch.

Best, MS

[Surf65]

Gents,
Mechanic says there is something wrong broken in rear differential. Guibo and shaft appear fine...

Does anyone know what the approximate cost and labor will be to rebuild rear differential?

Cheers, Matt

[joelittel]

I broke the spider gear (I think that's what they called it) in my differential once.

When it was all said and done I think I paid about 1k total (towing, new parts, labor).

I hope your situation is less expensive than mine was.

[baltobernie]

I'd replace the entire rear axle with a salvage unit. This assembly is perhaps the most durable item on the Spider; even completely rusted hulks usually have good rear axles. Yes, you will probably have to refurbish the brakes and seals on the unit, but it should be far less expensive than rebuilding the diff. You and a friend, in fact, can do the swap in your driveway.

[Surf65]

Thanks Bern and gents. I heard same thing and also read on previous threads that the car can buzz when not reassembled correctly so best way is to find a used one. Really appreciate the help.

Best, Matt

[85redpini]

"if the prior owner had deferred maintenance " meaning too cheap to buy parts. change it, I have seen the loose driveshaft actually cut slots in the floor, and break off the extension housing on the trans.