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wrwitcher · Joined: 07 Nov 2001 Posts: 13 Location: Bristol, Tennessee

I've determined that the problem with my '85 528e is a worn Guibo joint. I am a little confused, though. I usually get parts through Bavarian Autosport, but they don't sell Guibos for the 528e, just "center bearings." Are these the same? And my Haynes manual refers to this as a U-joint. I do my own repairs, but I have never worked on this part of my car. Is the repair difficult and/or time consuming? Thanks.

edjack · Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Posts: 3887 Location: San Jose, CA

Guibo is a "traditional" word for the rubber donut. It does do the job of a steel U-joint, plus it absorbs any drive line vibration.

The only real "wear" is that the rubber splits into several pieces. If you have cracks in the donut, it must be replaced.

When installed, the dount is in compression, and the bolts are difficult to remove. I have found that a large hose clamp, big enough to encircle the donut, can compress it enough to get the bolts out.

Shorty combination wrenches are helpful, too. I've had to drop the exhaust system to get it out; others have been able to do it without doing this.

The new donut comes with a steel strap around it. Install and tighten the bolts, turning just the nuts, so as not to twist the steel inserts, before you remove the strap.

If your parts guy can't get one, contact European Parts Specialists, at www.epsparts.com. This guy is real savvy with these cars.

edjack · Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Posts: 3887 Location: San Jose, CA

I forgot to mention, the "center bearing" is an idler bearing for the driveshaft. Make sure yours is in good shape. I don't know how long they last.

BTW, get a Bentley service manual; it's better than Haynes: http://www.bentleypublishers.com/product.htm?code=B588

Boyracer · Joined: 20 May 2001 Posts: 7 Location: Portland, Or

My recent experience with the guibo joint...
I purchased the replacement at our local import car parts store for $44 oem style no outer clamp.
Installation was completed within 40 min. The tricky part was loosening the nuts for the center bearing without removing the exhaust system. The center bearing collar must be loosened and you need to slide it toward the rear of the car to get enough room to slide the pilot bearing that sits in the guibo. It can be done!