X5 is being moody...Rubbing/Grinding Noise from center of the car
 

Hi all:

I've got a 2002 manual transmission x5 3.0 that has 95k miles on it. I had a noise start this weekend that I can't place. In the cabin it sounds like a grinding noise coming from under the center of the car through the gear shift and ashtray area. It started after a 60 mile highway trip yesterday. It sounds like a stick being dragged across pavement or two stones rubbing together. It is only audible from 1-30 mph. I don't have any vibration or loss of performance which makes it hard to place. It definitely isn't right though.

It makes the sound only when the car is moving. The clutch in or out and the brakes applied or not doesn't seem to matter.

I checked for things dragging, caught in heat shields, etc. and I couldn't find anything.

The noise happens straight ahead and doesn't change when turning.

I put the car on ramps and checked the transmission and transfer case levels and they look okay. (Although they need changed, the xfer case fluid was black/gross)

The guibos didn't have any cracking and the underside looks very good for a 95k mile vehicle.

I couldn't get any play in the driveshafts.

I could push the rear driveshaft up and down a little but the rubber in the center support bearing didn't have any cracks.

The only thing I can think of is the bearing in the center support bearing. I don't have a lift so I can't spin it off the ground.

Has anybody else had similar symptoms or any other ideas on what it could be? I've had all of the other common x5 pitfalls (alternator, coolant reservoir, oil filter housing gasket, etc) so I'm hoping someone has an idea before I go fishing replacing parts.

Thanks,
Carter

Center hanger bearing.

Thanks! I'll order one tomorrow.

Carter

that's exactly what i am experiencing! please update after its fixed!! thanks!!!

Front driveshafts stripping out? Easy to pull the front shaft to inspect.

The center support bearing seems to require an entire new rear shaft. I had mine rebuilt for a cost of about $430.

seems to require?? I though you just have to make sure you line them up correctly to remain balanced??

You can split the shaft and buy the hanger bearing for $35. The ujoint just after the hanger bearing is sold with the shaft and thus not listed as an individual piece.

To the OP just mark the shafts before you split them and you'll be fine.

I'll let you know. Parts are ordered and I'll go after it this weekend!

Carter

Any Progress? I Am anxious to hear if the carrier bearing was the culprit...

Sorry. Didn't get to it yet. Did pick up the parts at the dealer. Ill try to swap it next Sunday and get back to you.


Carter