drive shaft problem?

Question

I was sold a drive shaft from advanced auto parts and I think it was .001 to .002 small is was not much. I am not really sure now as it has taken out the input guide/shaft holder. I dont know what to call it. The part in the transmission that holds the shaft.
When I put it in 5 months ago or so I did not feel the slop. that is why I say .001
What do I do now it has ruined my transmission. I have asked the neighbor next door (ase) certified, does he think it was my fault. He says no. I have also talked to another mech. Before I found out what the problem really was and he told me that they have had problems with the place I bought the shaft. They dont deal with them anymore.
I am almost 100% sure it was a manufacturing error. Has anybody had this problem and can I sue to have my transmission replaced?

Or does anybody know a good shim material to take up this slop?

Answer 1

I am not exactly sure what you are talking about with the input guide shaft holder but if you are talking about where the axle plugs into the transmission there is a seal there that should take up the slop. If it is worn through the seal and into the transmission the axle could not have been pushed in the whole way. There is a retaining ring at the end of the shaft that plugs into the tranny. Sometimes it is hard to tell if it clicked but by pulling back on it like you are trying to remove it you can tell if it is in tight. But to answer your question about suing, The axle has a limited lifetime guarantee so if it is bad it will be replaced for free. As far as the transmission goes you have to take it to a certified mechanic and get it in writing that it was because of a defective product and not the installation. You can take that to the store and talk to the manager about it after that and see what can be done. I doubt that you will actually have to sue.
Hope I have been helpful.

Answer 2

Compare the new drive shaft to the old drive shaft using a micrometer. Get a junk yard drive shaft off a similar model car that has the same transmission as yours and install and try it.
http://www.junkyarddog.com