Seal inside propshaft doughnut? (Contains pic)

[Trev16v]

I am sure this has been discussed on this forum before, but after a search I could not find that previous discussion.

I have stripped my syncro because it is going into the body shop. The engine and gearbox have come out and I see this:

That component in the middle. What’s it for, and should it be replaced? Can it be replaced?

Are there any other prop shaft components I should inspect while I am at it? The doughnut itself looks to be in okay condition, but can replacements still be obtained if needed?

Many thanks

Trev

[Chris S]

Its the output/input propshaft centre locator bearing, the VW P/N is 191 521 137

It is still readily available from VW as it is fitted to every Golf Syncro from the beginning in 1986 right through to the 2006 model. [8D]

[mk21147]

Thanks for your help again Chris.

[mk21147]

I have bought some propshaft locator bushes from VW. I am going to have a go at fitting them. Has anyone got any advice on how to remove the old ones & fit the new bushes? Do I need to get the propshaft rebalanced after fitting? Any advice appreciated.
Regards Richard

[Chris S]

Has anyone got any advice on how to remove the old ones & fit the new bushes? – remove after cutting a slot in the old bush with a hacksaw blade, to refit lube with grease and press in.

Do I need to get the propshaft rebalanced after fitting? – No

[mk21147]

Thanks again Chris. Much appreciated.

Richard

[mk21147]

Just fitted these today what a nightmare, when I was removing the first bush I ended up pushing the bush into the front part of the propshaft. Don’t ask how long & what I had to do to get it out of the propshaft. All done now thank god. By the way it states in the VW workshop manual that if the bush is damaged you should replace the whole propshaft?

[Chris S]

Oh dear, what a bugger! but at least you did it in the end []

BTW I wonder why VW would say to replace the complete propshaft wnen they actuall sell the bushes as a seperate part?

could it have anything to do with the propshaft costing

p/n 191 521 101L @ € 1100.19
or
p/n 191 521 101A @ € 1475.37

while the bush costs only € 25 or so

Both propshafts are available from VW Classic parts at these prices []

[no such user]

When I knackerd mine I had to replace the front section.

When you refit make sure the lugs in the doughnut are located fully home, on mine the lugs must have been distorted when it was modified with diffrent lugs pressed in. result 2 of the bolts snaped and the lugs cammed out. that makes a proper mess of the prop let allone the bush. []

[Trev16v]

I’m finally going to get around to doing this job this weekend.

I only obtained a replacement bush for the front; the rear one looks fine. Is it best to leave the rear one well alone if it looks okay, or is it advised to still replace it?

[Chris S]

Personally, if it looks ok then I would leave it alone.

[mk21147]

How did you get on? I had fun when I did mine.

[Trev16v]

I haven’t had a go at it yet. I think I’ll give it a bash this coming weekend.

[mk21147]

I hope you don’t have as much fun as I did, good luck.

[Trev16v]

Today I finally (finally!) did this job.

I’m very grateful for Chris’s advice to use a hacksaw blade to cut a slot. I wouldn’t have thought it’d be possible to cut a slot in it by just holding a hacksaw blade in your hand unless you spent days at it, but I was surprised at how easily and quickly the slot could be cut all the way down the bush metal body. Once that was done, I just clamped it tightly in the vice and wiggled it out.

Then I used my 10t press to get the new one in. I went very carefully with this to avoid pressing it in too much. So that’s one job done!

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