Drive shaft differences

[flynnr]

Hey guys - I am curious if there is any difference between drive shafts throughout the years? ie would an 01 fit on my 99? would a 97 fit on my 99? are they interchangeable between 1.8 & 2.8?

iirc, the 97 is carbon fiber, true? Worth getting if I am changing anyways?

[walky_talky20]

I had similar questions when I did my 5-speed swap. I'll quote one of my posts from that thread:

So I've been doing some research in ETKA and here is what I've found:

- rear diffs are all the same part numbers from 96 through 2001, just different ratio's/codes.
- There are 2 different manual driveshafts, the split is in 1998. (8D-W-080000) (coincidentally, same for auto driveshafts)
- The bolts and special steel double-washers are the same for all years, so the bolt pattern/depth must be identical.
- The "gasket" that goes at each end of the driveshaft was updated along with the driveshaft, but appears to be an identical shape, just a different material (rubber/foam instead of a cork type):

Early:
http://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B5_A4-...7309/ES429770/
Late:
http://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B5_A4-...141a/ES258579/

From what I could find, the 2 different driveshafts are visually recognizable. On the early ones, the 2 shafts are slightly different outer diameter. On the late ones, both shafts appear to be the same diameter. Also, most of the early ones appear to have a large yellow warning sticker on them. Perhaps that warning has to do with the Carbon Fiber construction, and some care that must be taken during service near it, like not to use heat. I'm not sure, they all look like metal to me. Here are 2 photos:

EARLY:


LATE:


Mike Hood (thanks for the recommendation, Chris) advised that I use a driveshaft from the same year as my differential. My local junkyard has lots of '99 driveshafts, which all should be the "late" type and the same part as an '01. So I should be set.

I want to thank everyone for the help so far. I can't wait to start on this swap.

[flynnr]

Awesome. Thanks.

I have read that it is difficult to install a new center carrier bearing (which my car needs), so I was planning on getting a lower mileage drive shaft with a GOOD center carrier bearing and adding some silicone or something to strengthen it a little more.

If I can be convinced that installing a new one isn't as bad as I have heard, I would like to go that route. The only reason I considered going to a different drive shaft all together is because my car has ~175k and over half of those miles have been very hard miles on the car ( multiple launches, multiple track days, high hp, etc), so I wouldn't doubt that it is on its last leg.

What do you guys think?

[terraflata]

I thought the carbon fiber one was 1-pc and no center carrier bearing....cant for the life of me remember what mine looked like.

[feeblecrib]

Is the driveshaft from the B5S4 the same length as the driveshaft from the auto A4? I have a 2.8 V6 4motion Passat that I am swapping an 01E into. Thanks everyone!

[TheRussian]

Don't even bother getting a used replacement. Just get a single piece for scotty or one of the high HP single piece driveshafts. I can't recommend it enough. I had a similar driveshaft fiasco, spent a bunch of money and effort changing the carrier bearing and replacing the driveshaft before I got fed up and got a one piece. Some of the best money I ever spent

[VWHL7]

I know all manual driveshafts are the same length, not sure about the auto. Check part numbers?

I don’t think there’s a problem getting a used replacement from a junked car. I did and the thing was the best $40 I’ve spent. Most junkyards offer a warranty, right? Get the $5 warranty, take it to a driveshaft shop before installing it in the car, have them put it on the machine to check for balance (that will also tell you if the bearing is bad). Might cost all of what... $20? If it checks out, send it. Otherwise, take it back and get your $40 back and you’re only out $25. THEN go get the 1 piece if a used one isn’t available. Just my 2 cents


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[DWP]

Where can I source a one-piece or high HP driveshaft. For a 2001 A4.