Originally Posted by Renaissance.Man

If you read my recent autocross thread, then you would know that I just ruined a good OEM center driveshaft support bearing bushing in just one day of track use. I repeat, one single day. Even though I probably could have had it replaced under warranty, I wanted to look for a more permanent solution.

I have known about the Vertex Auto replacement center driveshaft support bearing bushing (what a long name!) for about a year now and spoke to them over the phone around last May. They are extremely confident about this product, have a pending patent, where I was told they sell "hundreds" of them each month for the Touareg, Q7, and Cayenne crowd.

From an engineering perspective, the design looks solid whereas the internal section is CNC machined out of aluminum where it clamps around the existing DS bearing. I could not find any online complaints so I ordered this part and a replacement damper (flex disc). Additionally, the design is modular and allows you to install and remove the bushing without needing to drop the driveshaft and exhaust. So, it should prove easy to service, if need be, in the future. Moreover, they are also marketing that this is a permanent solution.

I installed it in about half a day and very happy with it so far. FWIW, I made sure to replace the mild steel allen screw that came with it, with stainless steel allen screws (M6 x 1.0) from the local hardware store and applied anti-seize to protect against corrosion. No more KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!. In fact, it seems better able to handle my higher levels of torque. When turning 90 deg. and applying WOT (cause fun, clearly) the stock unit, even when brand new, would slightly knock until throttle lift. The vertex unit does not complain at all. All tire chirps and chassis flex.

Here are pics of the unit itself and the install procedure:



















EPS Drive Shaft Clamping Center Support - YouTube

Originally Posted by Mr.B Cayenne 08

Hi

How is this Bushing doing on your car. I am about to buy one and get it shipping to South Africa. Was it worthwhile installing it?

Originally Posted by Renaissance.Man

This bushing performed great for me. I had it for about 50K miles and it never gave me an issue. I decided to replace it for an aluminum driveshaft later on for a more direct and sporty feel to the drivetrain.

Originally Posted by Petza914

curious why you chose the aluminum over the CF version of -.was it just price or other factors too?

Originally Posted by Petza914

Did you consider installing the new aluminum Driveshaft with the Vertex center support as an extra stability measure or is it totally not needed, or are they not compatible?

Originally Posted by Petza914

Did you get the aluminum Driveshaft from Lindsay Racing or somewhere else?

Originally Posted by Petza914

Do you know if my 2009 CTTS Driveshaft is the exact same unit used on the earlier 955, as Lindsay only shows compatibility with the 955 generation. I asked them the question and they couldn't confirm or deny if it would work. They suggested I look both up in PET and compare the part #s, but I thought you might know.

Originally Posted by rymo926

Thanks for the tip. Shaft just went out yesterday. Had the tube and zip lying around. Can't believe it worked. Time will tell how it will hold up.

Originally Posted by Petza914

Thanks very much Renaissance Man. Exactly the input I was looking for. I'm going to go the aluminum route too when the time is right, so especially appreciate the info that yours was in a 957 as well.

Originally Posted by OjaiM5

Mine just went out, man is it a poorly made part.
I looked at all the options and decided to try this 3d printed part found on ebay. I have not received it yet but the reviews are great.

With just basic tools and skills I believe anyone could do this job if needed. I will check back once I have it all installed.