I have asked that same question.

Would the center bearing fix of earlier models work on the T3...

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Is the bearing loose or worn? Go underneath & have a look.

 

If the noise didn't go away when in neutral it cannot be the driveshaft unless you were traveling when you did that (which is ill advised)

heres the link which does show it fits later models and FYI it's the rubber center support that actually lets go not the bearing worn out

DRIVE SHAFT BEARING SUPPORT MOUNT — European Parts Solution

The innovative Porsche Cayenne Drive Shaft Clamping Center Support Mount by EPS is the only true permanent fix to premature bearing support failures. Live Customer Support. Call US!

www.europeanpartssolution.com

 

I did it while driving. Out of curiosity Why is this ill advised? I've done this in other vehicles to diagnose drivetrain noise and rule things out.

 

. Gets better as the car warms up.

Sounds more like a transfer case issue than driveshaft related. The tell-tale sign of the rubber mount going out is a vibration coming from the center console. If it's totally shot it will actually be as if somebody is underneath the chassis pounding it with a mallet. FYI, an indy shop quoted me around $1,500 to replace the entire driveshaft on my T2 but I went ahead and did the rubber hose and zip tie fix for not even five dollars and it's still holding up fine. Keep us posted on what you find out.

 

Got back from vacation and checked out under the touareg. Driveshaft bearing rubber mount looked solid so I assume the bearing would not go bad without the rubber mount going bad correct?

 

The Generation 2 cars do not suffer centre bearing failure in the way the Generation 1 cars did and still do.

Quite a few T1s and T2s have gone through more than one centre bearing failure which typically occurs at around 60 to 80,000 miles or 5 to 6 years though some go earlier, some go later, and some seem to be indestructible!

Therefore I wouldn't agree to a dealer replacing the drive / prop shaft on a T3 or aT4 unless there is a clear agreement that if it doesn't cure the noise there will be no charge.

I think the Generation 2 drive shaft is different and EPS do not list their fix for Gen 2 cars.

 

If you follow the link I posted there is a pull down menu that offers a bearing support fix for 2002-2010 and also 2011- present. I can't comment on how often either set needs this fix but there does appear to be an option covering all years

 

Most, if not all, owners manuals will say not to shift out of drive unless fully stopped. Sure that's lawyers and engineers talking but you do lose engine braking and the ability to accelerate If either of those are needed (ive personally stepped on the gas to avoid an accident).

Real world not likely an issue especially if only momentary on open roads. Just "ill advised"

 

The Touareg I & II models have a design defect that causes the center drive shaft bearing to fail, usually by 135,000 miles. The dealer will tell you the center driveshaft bearing is not a replaceable item, they can only replace the entire driveshaft. Our 2010 TDI started howling and shaking around 117,000 miles.

This is a common enough problem that European Parts Solutions (EPS) has a replacement part they carry in stock for Touareg and Porsche Cayenne SUVs. The two part bearing can be retrofitted to the driveshaft with out dropping the driveshaft in about 30 minutes. It is a two part bearing with silicone spacers to replace the OEM rubber bushing that deteriorates due to ozone.

This replacement has lasted over 100,000 miles on our Touareg with no problems. There is one part for 2002-2009, and one for 2010 and later. If you are lucky enough to have a V10, there is a part for that model also. Cost is $400 with overnight shipping available.

TOUAREG DRIVESHAFT — European Parts Solution

EPS were very easy to work with and get the part to repair garage of your choice.

 

The Touareg I & II models have a design defect that causes the center drive shaft bearing to fail, usually by 135,000 miles. The dealer will tell you the center driveshaft bearing is not a replaceable item, they can only replace the entire driveshaft. Our 2010 TDI started howling and shaking around 117,000 miles.

This is a common enough problem that European Parts Solutions (EPS) has a replacement part they carry in stock for Touareg and Porsche Cayenne SUVs. The two part bearing can be retrofitted to the driveshaft with out dropping the driveshaft in about 30 minutes. It is a two part bearing with silicone spacers to replace the OEM rubber bushing that deteriorates due to ozone.

This replacement has lasted over 100,000 miles on our Touareg with no problems. There is one part for 2002-2009, and one for 2010 and later. If you are lucky enough to have a V10, there is a part for that model also. Cost is $400 with overnight shipping available. View attachment 243597

TOUAREG DRIVESHAFT — European Parts Solution

EPS were very easy to work with and get the part to repair garage of your choice.

The Touareg I & II models have a design defect that causes the center drive shaft bearing to fail, usually by 135,000 miles. The dealer will tell you the center driveshaft bearing is not a replaceable item, they can only replace the entire driveshaft. Our 2010 TDI started howling and shaking around 117,000 miles.

This is a common enough problem that European Parts Solutions (EPS) has a replacement part they carry in stock for Touareg and Porsche Cayenne SUVs. The two part bearing can be retrofitted to the driveshaft with out dropping the driveshaft in about 30 minutes. It is a two part bearing with silicone spacers to replace the OEM rubber bushing that deteriorates due to ozone.

This replacement has lasted over 100,000 miles on our Touareg with no problems. There is one part for 2002-2009, and one for 2010 and later. If you are lucky enough to have a V10, there is a part for that model also. Cost is $400 with overnight shipping available. View attachment 243597

TOUAREG DRIVESHAFT — European Parts Solution

EPS were very easy to work with and get the part to repair garage of your choice.

The centre rubber support to the bearing destroyed itself at around 130,000km on my 2009 TDI but my local mech, removed the shaft, cut off the old bearing, and replaced in with a Chinese knock-off ($145), replaced the shaft and charged me for one hour's labour. There's absolutely no need to go the stealership's path of replacing the entire shaft.

 

Real Interested in this:

So I have a T3 Treg - 2014 TDI
A few weeks back I heard a thumping sound right under the center console - a few thumps - the noise went away though? I examined and shook the driveshafts as best as I could with it on the ground (no air suspension to lift) I could not really get in there.

I really need to put it up in the air better to get a better looks and shake and possibly remove bracket to inspect. Reading past post got me scared so I did buy the EPS center support kit - $400 - might have been a mistake - as others noted it is not clear if this issue effects the T3 2014?The label on the box say its for 2010+ Porsche Cayenne - but does not mention VW at all - so I am wondering if it will even work? Does this issue even effect T3??

I will let you all know once I get in there - btw been driving it for about 600 miles at least and I don't notice any thumping or noise in driveline anymore so that is a mystery - was it ice on the driveshaft - some other road debris I did not notice?

I will be happy to keep my EPS support kit - I understand the concept and failure mode - IF it will fit and is appropriate for a 2014.

 

Last time I looked at the EPS site it listed the year 2011 onwards but no actual Touareg models are listed underneath the year unlike earlier years and the Porsche.

Suggest you contact EPS directly and ask the specific question.

 

Called EPS today - they assured me 100% it is for my 2014 VW Treg. When I get under there I will investigate further and update.

 

The EPS bracket is a great solution and well built. While you there, remove the bearing cover and add grease to the bearing.

 

Not sure if this thread is going to see my response but my 2012 3.0 TDI just destroyed its center bearing and the rubber covers on the shaft don't look especially healthy. Took place at 113,000 miles.
I'm investigating a new shaft and necessary hardware. Is there a preferred brand that makes a shaft of higher quality? Maybe a better bearing setup or more accurate balancing? Back in my 05 T1 V8 days, Colorado Driveshaft was the place to go but the T3's seem to have a less documented history with this particular issue(pictured below: just the inner and outer races remain. A bearing seal is mangled to the side).
If anyone knows of a more modern thread for this, I'm more than happy to ask there/create a new one as well.
Thanks!

 

If anyone knows of a more modern thread for this, I'm more than happy to ask there/create a new one as well.

Use the search function. Users have documented how to replace the bearing and support for very little cost with OEM parts. If you find a competent shop, they can also do it for a few hundos more.

 

As you obviously know the centre bearing on the Generation 1 cars was an all too common problem but it's rare on Generation 2 Touaregs so there's no history of Gen 1 fixes such as $0 The Jimi Fix, $100 The Viagra Fix, and the $250 JXB Performance and $400 Vertex Auto supports.

Darkside Developments in the UK offer a GB£300 7P version though and may ship.

It's pretty similar to the US JXB 7L offering so try calling JXB tomorrow and ask the question.

And there's still Colorado of course!

Let us know how you get on.

 

The search for verified parts was way harder than expected. I ended up ordering a new OEM shaft from a dealer for 30% off. There are some sellers out there with suspiciously cheap parts that I worry will cost more in the long run. The rubber on my old shaft is also kind of rotted. There's a chance there's a better option out there but given current availabilities and logistics, I wasn't able to do much else so I spent a little more than I would have liked but less than I could have. Absolutely no results from RockAuto or FCP Euro. Let's see what arrives and how installation goes!

 

I had good luck so far with replacing just the center support carrier from JXB and greasing the bearing. Does not require driveshaft removal.

So everybody knows - the EPS center support carrier does not work on T2 Tregs - 2013+, don't waste your money like I did. So if you have 2013+ use JXB Performance instead - very nice product - less expensive too.

 

Just did one with a factory kit at my shop. It's a bit of a pain but doable. 2014 3.0 TDI Touareg. Had a loud screech noise.