Odd noise coming from prop area

[jog5000]

Ok, when I pull off in 1st, change to second, I get a squeaking noise coming from the prop shaft area - at first I thought it was from my front left wheel, because the noise only started immediately after I changed the wheel. It cant be the prop shaft, I changed that about a year ago, and I dont kill my shaft when I drive - any ideas?

It's not a knocking sound, more a repeated squeak.... only in 1st under acceleration, and changing to second....

Thanks guys.

[jog5000]

*bump*

[smithy318i]

Turn the music up a bit louder so you can't hear it!

[mrLEE30]

prop shaft centre bearing, when you changed the prop did you pre-load the bearing?

[jog5000]

mrLEE30, it was changed by the local E30 specialists here, they are brilliant in what they do - surely if the didnt pre-load, it wouldnt have taken a year to go, and would definitly not have been fine one day, and then the next, getting into the car, starting it and driving off, its suddenly fubar'ed?

[mrLEE30]

then my money would be on the cross bearing or the front rubber mounting (known unofficially as the prop donut)

but still could be the centre bearing.

The cross bearing can be changed by a machine shop but to be honest it is not worth the hassel, look for a replacement prop. (i changed mine and got the squeak but was accompanied by vibration, it lasted about 30km, then i changed the entire prop)

ensure when the replace the prop they preload the centre bearing by sliding it 2-3 mm toward the gearbox then the bolts should be tightened...... we have a few E30 ''specialsts'' in this part of the World and i wouldn't let them change my valve caps