General information and evaluation of CFRP propeller shafts (F8x)

Special tools required: 

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The following must always be observed: 

CFRP pipes are very sensitive to shocks; corresponding damage can lead to failure of the shaft in the vehicle.

Extreme caution is therefore required on installation of CFRP propeller shafts!

It must be ensured that the CFRP pipe is not subjected to impacts or shocks during installation. Damaged CFRP shafts or pipes must not be installed and must be marked as damaged!

Each visibly damaged pipe or propeller shaft must be segregated and appraised by trained personnel.

Non-observance may lead to severe damage to the CFRP propeller shaft!

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Detection and assessment: 

The outermost layer on the CFRP pipe is a protective fabric that simultaneously serves as an indicator foil. After an impact, CFRP regains its original shape although the matrix (CFRP resin structure) is already damaged; however, the foil becomes milky.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Spider web damage: 

Cause: Mechanical effect such as impact, shock or falling over of the shaft

CFRP shaft not OK (no damage with recognizable spider web is permissible.) →Replace CFRP shaft. 

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Cause: Mechanical effect such as impact, shock or falling over of the shaft

CFRP shaft not OK (no damage with recognizable spider web is permissible.) → Replace CFRP shaft. 

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Damage: Chipping (1) (without recognizable spider web) 

Cause: Mechanical effect, slight impact with sharp - edged object

CFRP shaft OK→ have CFRP shaft appraised by trained personnel. 

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Damage: Scratches (1) in indicator fabric (without recognizable spider web) 

Cause: Mechanical effect with sharp object (edge, burr, etc.)

CFRP propeller shaft OK → have CFRP propeller shaft appraised by trained personnel. 

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.