I have a 1994 volvo 940. Now the center support bearing sits withing a rubber housing that sits inside a metal housing that bolts to the retaining plate. Now, how much play should there be when you grab the drive shaft and move it. SHould there be some play within the rubber? I took off plate and spun it around the drive shaft and there is no inner race play or movement. But when I bolt it back there is flexibility. Is this normal?

 

After just having close, intimate contact with my 245's driveshaft today (replaced a u-joint) I can tell you that there should be some play in the rubber, but not within the metal part of the bearing. If you are laying under the car, you should be able to pull on that driveshaft with all your strenth in your hands and have the rubber part deform 1/2 inch or more but go back to the same place each time. There may be a spring in the bottom of it that keeps upward tension on it (240's have it) If it is missing, or the rubber part is really deteriorated, it may spin around and give you a high-pitched whine like a jet plane taking off when driving.

 

There should be some "give" as the rubber compresses but definitely not much. How does the rubber look? No cracks or pieces missing? Mostly, do you have symptoms driving? If there is no vibration, don't worry about it!

 

yes i am having some vibration. I have check my ujoints and they are fine. I notice it mostly on the freeways. like growling/gurgling. Almost like a harley not so loud though. Ive checked my muffler and pipes and no hole. One thing is weired is when i throw it in neutral on the freeway it goes away. Put it back in drive and it comes back.

If i could describe it to i would say it sounds like your brakes that are grinding your rotors when they are shot. but not that loud. My brakes are new in front and about 30 percent left in back.

 

I'd take a look at the differential -- if the noise goes away while coasting, that may be your problem.

 

Ill probably crack the back end this weeked.. But whats wierd is when I have the back end up on jack stands and my wife engages, disengages and drives i hear nothing when under the car. When I get on the road it comes back....