Let me start by saying that I have read the FAQs

Situation:
I'm looking to by an '87 GXL from a Mazda mechanic who has been working on my '86, and he brought the car over tonight for me to drive. He said the only thing wrong with it is the drive shaft is out of ballance. I drove the car and there is def a vibration that gets progressively worse as the rpms rise.

Question (2):
1. If it is the drive shaft being out of ballance, will that cause anything to go bad (or is it just uncomfortable to drive)? And
2. How much does a drive shaft go for (parts and instilation), or how much does it cost to get it reballanced.

The guy said he bought the car from a lady who never drove it, and also had all the work done on it at the dealership (he has all recipts). He wants $2500 for it and I really need a car to get to school and work (I just blew my coolant seal).

The only thing that makes me wearry (sp?) about the car is today at the dealership he told me it was an '89, but as soon as he showed up I knew it was a S4. And when I said something about it, he looked at the sticker on the door as was like "oh yeah, it's an '87." What do you guys think?

 

A driveshaft out of balance will eventually waste the U joints, and bearings in the rear end and tranny.

A used drive shaft can be purchased for less than $100. Re-balancing a drive shaft could be as cheap as $25 (depending on the driveline shop and area- it is usually based on a hourly amount).

The most common reason one is out of balance is the wrong bolts and washers used to attach it to the differntial flange.

 

ic, I was going to call up Japtrix tomorrow and see how much they would charge for a rebalance. Or would I be better off going to a tranny shop. If so, what are any good places around West Palm/Ft. Lauderdale area (I just moved here and Japtrix is the only place I've talked to about things other than the Mazda dealersip in Delray.

Thanks Mark