Drive Shaft repair question

[Focus on Life]

Hi there, apologies if this has been covered elsewhere before, I'm brand new to the forum

I've owned a Bongo for almost 2 years and have just recently had a problem, the mechanic says the front drive shaft bearing (differential end) needs replacing along with the seal

I'd be grateful for some advice on where you guys obtain such parts, do you use original Mazda components or are there cheaper, reliable compatible parts available? Or do any forum members have any such parts for sale etc?

Really appreciate your help, I'm based in Rossendale, Lancashire by the way

Cheers
Shaz :)

[Harry]

Hi Shaz.

Driveshafts....or do you mean propshafts?

I may have a front propshaft available (I'll have to have a think about it).

You'll find a whole series of tales of woe about me and propshafts which has only been cured by getting a rear propshaft custom made and ditching the front propshaft completely making my bongo 2WD instead of 4WD.

Let me know if you want more info.

good luck

H

[Focus on Life]

Oooh H - propshafts/driveshafts? - erm I'm not 100% but the guy who's looked at it is a tyre specialist and mechanic and does a lot of repairs on diesel buses even though he hasn't worked on the Bongo before. The problems at the front passenger side and my fella first thought it was just low on diff oil cos there was a slight grinding sound - but when the mechanic looked, he said the seal had gone (I think he said it was misshapen?) but then said there was movement in the driveshaft, he could move it up & down so he reckons the bearing needs replacing too

Hope that bit more description helps? Thanks for your thoughts & advice

Shaz

[Harry]

The propshafts are whanging great things that run forward and aft from the transfer box to the front and rear axles/differentials.

If the problem is on one side it sounds like its the driveshafts

cheers

H

[dandywarhol]

Sounds like a front wheel bearing is worn.

[Focus on Life]

Cheers, every second/third/fourth opinion helps in these cases doesnt it

What I'm wondering is about parts in order to keep the cost of the repair down?

I can have a chat with Mike at Wheelquick for some advice and a quote but I also wondered if this is the type of repair my fella and his mechanic could tackle OK if we could get some thoughts on where we might be able to pick up the parts?

The mechanic he uses does work on diesel buses a lot although he isnt familiar with the Bongo, would you guys recommend seeing a Bongo specialist or could you point me in the direction of a parts-source so they can work on it themselves?

Thanks again, it is still driving but the noise is making me cringe and worry a bit!

Shaz

[dandywarhol]

A competant mechanic should be able to detect a wheel bearing/driveshaft/c.v. joint noise whether they work on buses or Ferraris IMO