Cardan Shaft EPS vs Vertex vs Colorado Drive Shaft

[srfrdrew]

Hello all for another wonderful installment of "Porsche got you Cardan Shafted!"

 

2004 Porsche Cayenne S with 130k on the ODO.  I purchased my pepper with approximately 50K on the ODO and I don't believe the shaft was ever changed (and if so don't have any verification of when prior to my purchasing)

 

Getting the classic Clunking on deceleration as well as acceleration, vibration in the cabin, mostly at idle and lower speeds (FYI, checked engine mounts with tech and they looked fine and I changed out the VB recently).  I'm fairly certain I'm getting Cardan Shafted.

 

NOTE: I'm not going for a "Center Support Solution"  I just want to replace the complete Rear Shaft Assembly as well as the Flex Plate

 

Question on which re-builder to go with:  EPS / Vertex (I guess they are one and the same company) includes an "upgraded" "softer" flex plate but I've read reviews that their included flex plates are junk and to go with original OEM Porsche Flex Plates?

 

EPS - http://www.cayennedriveshaft.com/upgraded-drive-shaft-rebuilt

 

VERTEX - http://www.vertexauto.com/showitem.aspx?&id=253807&name=Porsche%20Cayenne%20Drive%20Shaft%20-%20Rebuilt%20-%20Includes%20Core%20Charge%20of%20%24350.00

 

COLORADO DRIVE SHAFT - http://www.coloradodriveshaft.com/porsche_cayenne.htm

 

 

Your comments and advice are greatly appreciated!

Edited April 23, 2015 by srfrdrew

[Peter Villalon]

I replaced mine with a rebuilt from Colorado Drive Shaft about 8 months ago and haven't had any issues. Purchased it for 500 including core deposit. Once I returned mine they gave me 100 dollars back.

[srfrdrew]

Hi Peter,

 

Thanks for  your response, did you replace your Flex Plate as well?  Did you go OEM or did you get the "upgraded" flex plate that Vertex/EPS offers?

[Nacho]

I also replaced my shaft with a rebuilt one from Colorado Drive Shaft (back in November-2014).  Same deal of $500 with the $100 back when you send in the old shaft for a core.  I also bought and replaced the nuts/bolts used for mounting to the flex disk, as well as a new flex disc.  I got these parts from Pelican.  Pretty straight forward swap if you have some simple hand tools and a torque wrench.      

[bigbuzuki]

Another option.

http://www.lindseyracing.com/LR/Porsche/955-0308-DS-CF.html

[srfrdrew]

Thanks Nacho

 

bigbuzuki,

 

I wish you didn't show me the other option, UGH!  they also have it in aluminum too...  I guess this is a "real" permanent fix, removes hanger bearing issue as well as no more flex plate... Hmmm $900 for aluminum and $1400.00 for carbon OUCH though.

 

Anyone have gone this route? chime in I'm all ears...

[srfrdrew]

Also, does anyone have the torque specs for all the the forward and aft bolts holding the cardan shaft in place?

[Kevin M.]

I had my shop try this fix on my CTTS and so far so good, we reinforced it more than he did.

http://rennlist.com/forums/porsche-cayenne-forum/825226-cardan-shaft.html

[srfrdrew]

Hi Kevin,  Yea I looked at this Macgyver fix.. Not the way I want to go...

 

I'm going with a Colorado Cardan Shaft rebuild.. I keep hearing only good things about them.. Im a bit leary on the EPS/Vertex rebuilt shaft.

[2GOFAST]

I have used both. I had to replace the vertex shaft a few times (grease leaked out of the end) then went with colorado and it is lasting.

[ALEV8]

Just do Vertex and don't look back.

[srfrdrew]

Hey Loren,

 

If you are out there do you have torque specs for the 6 rear triple square bolts

 

the (3) 18mm nuts and bolts from front of shaft and Ithe (3) 18mm
bolts to the flex plate as well as the carrier bolts as well?

 

I'm doing the Cardan Shaft swap out right now have not been able to locate the torque specs

 

Thanks

[srfrdrew]

Does anyone have the Torque specs off hand for the Cardan Shaft swap, unable to locate this info anywhere?

 

It's for the 6 rear triple square bolts

 

the (3) 18mm nuts and bolts from front of shaft and Ithe (3) 18mm
bolts to the flex plate as well as the carrier bolts as well?

 

I'm doing the Cardan Shaft swap out right now have not been able to locate the torque specs.

 

A quick ping back to me is greatly appreicated!

[Loren]

I sent you a PM.

[srfrdrew]

Thanks Loren,  replied to your PM with a Q for you

[srfrdrew]

Hey Loren!

 

PM'd you again, if you have a moment please get back to me regarding my request.

 

Thanks!