Cardan Shaft used Vertex 2 Piece Support

[working4it]

Just realized...The title is wrong. It should say CARDAN SHAFT INSTALLED VERTEX ESP 2 PIECE SUPPORT. Don't know how or why I put in "used" nothing is used...

Hey All,

Well my struggles continue. My Cardan shaft bearing failed for the second time on my '04 Cayenne S. The original was replaced around 60K+ and this one failed at 135. Since it wasn't covered under warranty I opted for the Vertex 2 piece Clamp on solution. Once the bearing ring is cut and removed, I used a razor blade and cut off the rubber. With a really good razor blade and mechanics gloves I was surprised how cleanly I was able to get off all of the rubber. Don't get me wrong it took a lot patience and time but it came out really clean. I then pride off the two sealant bearing rings and carefully repacked the bearings. The bearing ring spun smoothly but after watching the Vertex video I decided what the heck I will pack them. You would be surprised how much new grease I was able to pack in there. Pressed the rings back in and started clamping the Vertex Supports in. There is one thing that really pissed me off about the Vertex EPS solution. They did not provide a long allen wrench. I mean really, for $480 throw in an extended length allen wrench. I had to struggle with a normal size one as I didn't have the correct extended one. Now onto the rubber flex disc. I called vertex and they said if your current one is in good condition you don't need to replace it. Put the supports on, drive and if a vibration is present then put on the flex disc. Well, I just came in for another beer before I button everything up but I think I am going to put on the flex disc while I have the main support bracket off. I will let you know how that goes in a bit.

Edited November 26, 2013 by working4it

[Ignited]

Hey wrk4it, I am expecting my ESP kit today and will be doing the job this weekend so really happy to read your experience with this. Did you have to remove exhaust hangers? How about jacking the car? Rear only up on jackstands or what did you do?

My original shaft was replaced around 70K miles and now I have 140K miles when that one failed. No more original shaft replacements for me!

Tim in Ft Worth

[working4it]

Definitely do not need to remove the exhaust. I jacked up the rear only and had plenty of room. if you have a set of air tools it makes it much easier. if your going to replace the flex disc don't secure the bearing. disassemble the center support and then replace the flex disc. This allows extra room and movement to get the flex disc out and on. The hardest part of the job is razor blading off the rubber.

[working4it]

One more thing, make sure to mark the alignment on both sides.

[Ignited]

I did everything you suggested and the job went very smooth! One air tool that came in handy was a coarse scotch-brite wheel on the air-powered drill chuck. Much faster than a razor blade! Thanks again!

Tim in Ft Worth

[jspbtown]

I just did this repair on my 2008 Cayenne base. It was right at the 60k mark when the rubber material in the bearing let loose.

 

I found that scraping some of the rubber off the bearing then hitting it with the scrotch bright on the grinder, then back to the razor blade and back to the scotch bright got the bearing perfectly clean in short order. Getting the little seals out was easy, as was re-packing the bearing. And I agree...it does take what seems like alot of grease. Take your time and make sure the seals are pressed back in all the way around.

 

The rubber flex disc was a little more difficult. The disc has steel inserts on all 6 holes. 3 of the inserts stick out of the disc a little on one side and 3 stick out a little on the other side. Obviously these insert into the driveshaft or the output flange. They are also stuck in there pretty good. It took a while to wiggle them out of their holes. Some WD40 would have probably helped in hindsight.

 

The bolts were also a different size in the Vortex kit. I think the stock ones were 18mm and I believe the ones I got were 19mm. I know I was a little upset that I had to drag myself out from under the car to get two new wrenches.

 

I have several hundred miles on the repair and it seems just great. I know its not alot yet so I cannot attest to the longevity of the part, but it is pretty easy to do.