Oh my - two giant chunks of the rubber driveshaft coupler came flying off

[tdskip]

Darn fiat parts quality, can you believe that the original rubber coupler from 1968 started to fail yesterday? On a serious note – this is obviously going to need to be addressed, when I was doing a test drive to check the oil leak issue that I’ve been dealing with I felt something hit the underbody of the car like I ran over something and looked back and saw a chunk of something bouncing down the street.

I immediately went home and put the car in the air and sure enough I lost a big chunk of this coupler.

Any difference in part quality from the major suppliers on this? If memory serves this thing is a bit of a bugger to change out...

Thanks and I hope everybody is having a good weekend, all things considered.

[18Fiatsandcounting]

Darn fiat parts quality, can you believe that the original rubber coupler from 1968 started to fail yesterday?

Man they just don't make things like they used to... Back in the day, EPDM rubber parts would last for a hundred years, except that EPDM didn't exist that far back...

OK, all joking aside. By "coupler" do you mean the rubber donut that connects the rear of the transmission output shaft yoke to the front of the driveshaft? Also called a "giubo"? (Not Guido. Totally different, although maybe still Italian)

Yes, these do fail, and they're fairly easy to replace. I'm not aware of any differences in manufacturers, although I certainly would hesitate to buy my giubo from a guy named Guido in the parking lot. Anyway, the only real challenge is to remove the 6 bolts from the giubo (3 from each direction, front and rear), but it's best done one bolt at a time, turning the driveshaft for best access as you go along. Most good quality replacement parts come with a metal band around the giubo that you remove once you've installed the new part.

-Bryan

[tdskip]

Ha!

Yes, the guibo, but not from Guido, is what I need.

[18Fiatsandcounting]

As Yoda would say, "Giubo... You seek Giubo. Hmmm..."

Or, if you are not on planet Degobah: https://www.vickauto.com/FIAT-PARTS/FIA ... KU-16-5301

-Bryan

[tdskip]

Extra points for the Star Wars reference!

Thanks Bryan.

[Nanonevol]

I think you're lucky the damage wasn't more.
Every Spider owner should have replaced that original "Guibo" by now.

[tdskip]

Good morning.

I am super lucky the car wasn’t damaged, but as I reminder I just got it and don’t have a history on it so I’m sorting out what is needed. That is why I was on a shake down run.

[Nanonevol]

Ha! You shook it down alright. Don't think I need to mention the timing belt....

[tdskip]

Yeah, I seem to have a knack for breaking things!

Oh sure, go ahead point out something that could be catastrophic if I don’t pay attention to it. Some help you are....grin.

Thanks mate, appreciate the tips. Hope you and yours are doing well.

[baltobernie]

All good tips on this issue.
While the car is up, check the integrity of the transmission mount and carrier bearing surround, too. Leaking engine or transmission oil deteriorates these rubber parts as well. Carrier bearing replacement generally requires the assistance of a garage with a hydraulic press, but the tranny mount is DIY (note the orientation of the OE part before removal).

[tdskip]

Thanks, will check all of that. Appreciate the responses gentlemen.