Unusual discover in drive shaft

[Qzip]

Was greasing up the shaft, until I saw this sponge like thing inside the drive shaft…..no way this is from factory is it ? If it is can some one please school me on the reason why theirs a sponge inside the drive shaft tube?

 

[2021EcoDiesel]

Probably to reduce noise or vibration.

 

[PatriotLonghorn]

With the driveshaft being aluminum, I'm guessing it's also for vibration reduction.

 

[kapinallinen2]

Was greasing up the shaft, until I saw this sponge like thing inside the drive shaft…..no way this is from factory is it ? If it is can some one please school me on the reason why theirs a sponge inside the drive shaft tube? View attachment 191960

Looks like protective shipping foam that got left in the shaft from the assembly line. It is too light to have any vibration damping properties IMO.

 

[Qzip]

I ended up just leaving it in there.

maybe it is used to reduce vibration like the fellas above stated.

 

[1923bob]

Was greasing up the shaft, until I saw this sponge like thing inside the drive shaft…..no way this is from factory is it ? If it is can some one please school me on the reason why theirs a sponge inside the drive shaft tube? View attachment 191960

Strange.

 

[Oda112]

Was greasing up the shaft, until I saw this sponge like thing inside the drive shaft…..no way this is from factory is it ? If it is can some one please school me on the reason why theirs a sponge inside the drive shaft tube? View attachment 191960

I have the rear end clunk at low speed when stopping/getting off the line and I think I might need to do this too. How do you go about those boot clamps? They look like one time use.
I've never taken one of these out on a DT body style, what's the procedure like?

 

[Qzip]

I have the rear end clunk at low speed when stopping/getting off the line and I think I might need to do this too. How do you go about those boot clamps? They look like one time use.
I've never taken one of these out on a DT body style, what's the procedure like?

I cut the existing clamps off with a dremel with the cut off wheel attachment. (Angle grinder was too big didn’t wanna cut the actual boot)

Remove the 15mm drive shaft bolts

Use a pry bar to pop off the shaft

Use a jack stand to support the end you just popped off while you pull the shaft apart.

The whole process is fairly straightforward once you cut off the clamps.

If you have any questions let me know, good luck!

 

[oe542bob]

Qzip, that sponge is so you don’t get it pregnant with your greased up shaft

 

[Oda112]

I cut the existing clamps off with a dremel with the cut off wheel attachment. (Angle grinder was too big didn’t wanna cut the actual boot)

Remove the 15mm drive shaft bolts

Use a pry bar to pop off the shaft

Use a jack stand to support the end you just popped off while you pull the shaft apart.

The whole process is fairly straightforward once you cut off the clamps.

If you have any questions let me know, good luck!

Thanks for the detailed DIY! One last question: did you replace the clamps with new ones of the same kind/worm gear clamp or would a few heavy duty zip ties suffice instead?

 

[Qzip]

Went to HD & purchased 5" hose clamps.

Will be purchasing OEM clamps soon though. If they sell them...

 

[Oda112]

Went to HD & purchased 5" hose clamps.

Will be purchasing OEM clamps soon though. If they sell them...

That's what I was thinking of doing but didn't know if the driveshaft would become unbalanced due to the design of the clamps.

 

[Qzip]

That's what I was thinking of doing but didn't know if the driveshaft would become unbalanced due to the design of the clamps.

That’s a very interesting point you’re making. Never thought of that.

If that’s the case then buying the clamps from the dealer before doing the job would be the best thing to do.

 

[stevj]

That's what I was thinking of doing but didn't know if the driveshaft would become unbalanced due to the design of the clamps.

Easy.
Use 2 clamps together and put the tightening screws on opposite sides. That keeps things balanced.
Thread each clamp strap into the other, like one strap clamp with two adjusters and cut off excess straps so they don't flail around.
Then replace with OEM-style when you get one.

Steve