Well, I have been trying to figure out for the longest time what the heavy vibration my car does at any speed above 35mph. I balance the tires etc. The balancing helped a little. But after last monday I think I know the culprit.

Anyway, long story short I was on the interstate driving and then boom I hear this long rattle and after words I run over several metal pieces. I pull over immediately and check underneath. I see my exhaust pipe hanginf kind low so i figured it fell apart. I call AAA car gets on the tow truck and the driver points out that it is not the exhaust its the driveshaft thats hanging down.

Evidently the 4 bolts came out that connects it to the differential yoke. My question is is there anything else that I should check/replace when putting the bolts back in?

My dad says I need new U joints as well, but the joints are only in the front of the shaft according to my haynes manual. Any help is welcomed. Also should i get the driveshaft rebalanced since it hit the street?

Pictures will be posted tmrw.

the driveshaft has Ujoints in front and rear. If it was rattling around for that long, new joints couldn't hurts. And definately have the ballance checked after wards.

Use grade 8 bolts and self locking nuts. The driveshaft bolts always seem to work themselves loose.

Thanks I will try that. So I should save the NOS bolts I ordered?

I gave up on the factory bolts, mainly because the nuts aren't self locking. The lock washer doesn't keep it tight over the long run. So by also using a self locking nut, it helps keep everything tight.

Pics.

Damage done (dented my exhaust pipe):

Passenger side (knocked my bracket loose):

Rear (broke my rear bracket):

As for the rear should I take it to a muffler shop to get the bracket replaced? I have twice pipe (I think) it was on the car when I bought it. Not sure where to get that bracket piece from.

Edited May 13, 200917 yr by KenshinX

The exhaust bracket was made at the muffler shop. You should be able to make another one from a piece of flat bar stock.

Nevermind.

Got it fixed. Now I need to get the exhaust brackets replaced. I'll try to do it myself If not I'll get a friend who owns a muffler shop to do it. The main brackets are sold at pep boys for relatively cheap. Thanks everyone for the input really.

Edited May 16, 200917 yr by KenshinX