Table of Contents
11 May 2023 Drive Shaft: Problems, Causes, Symptoms, Parts, Costs, and Damage Risks
A vehicle's performance depends on the smooth operation of many components, but when the drive shaft or drive shaft parts fail, the consequences can be both costly and dangerous. The drive shaft plays a critical role in your vehicle's drivetrain, and any malfunction can compromise the safety and reliability of your vehicle.
What is a drive shaft?
A drive shaft is a pivotal component in your vehicle’s drivetrain, responsible for transmitting torque from the engine or transmission to the wheels, enabling movement and power distribution. Despite its robust design, the drive shaft is susceptible to wear and tear, particularly in vehicles that are subjected to heavy loads or rough terrain. When drive shaft problems occur, they often start subtly but can quickly escalate into serious issues that affect vehicle handling, safety, and overall performance.
What does a car driveshaft do?
The driveshaft, also known as the propeller shaft or driveline, is a part of the drivetrain that transmits power and torque from the engine to the differential which then transmits it to the wheels. This transfer of torque is what makes the wheels turn, propelling the car forward. In other words, if the component gets damaged or fails, the car isn’t going to get very far.
The shaft is essentially a spinning tube used in rear-wheel, 4-wheel and all-wheel drives. For front-wheel drives, the torque is technically transmitted by what is known as a half shaft. The parts are subjected to incredibly high speeds and are therefore made from durable materials such as steel, aluminium alloys or carbon fibre composites. Most car driveshafts use a universal joint at each end of the rod to allow torque to be transferred through multiple angles. Some also feature a slip joint, which allows the component’s length to be adjusted with changes in suspension travel.
Signs of failure and common driveshaft problems
Several parts have to work in precise synchronisation for the component to do its job. This also means that more things can go wrong with the rear and front CV axle shaft and more parts to replace. For example, typical causes of faults include worn or insufficiently lubricated universal joints (U-joints), bad rubber bearings, and a loose shaft. If the joints fail to support the shaft, you may hear it scraping along the road beneath you. Other issues may include a badly damaged tube or a faulty slip yoke. If the load on the vehicle is too high, there is a chance that the tube will fail while you are driving.
How to tell if the driveshaft is bad
A typical symptom of a failing driveshaft is intense shaking from underneath the vehicle. Other signs could be:
- Difficulty turning
- Loud rattling noises
- Shuddering when accelerating
- Squeaking or clicking noises
Difficulty turning
A defective shaft will prevent the wheels from turning properly, causing problems on the road. This will affect vehicle handling as well as the driver’s control of the car. This issue should be diagnosed and fixed promptly as it is a safety concern.
Unusual sounds
If you can hear abnormal rattling, clunking, scraping or squeaking sounds, it could be due to damaged bushings or joints, preventing the shaft from rotating properly. If the U-joints are squeaking at low speeds, this indicates that they need to be lubricated. If you hear any of these sounds while driving or accelerating, you should get your vehicle checked by a mechanic as soon as possible.
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Shuddering when accelerating
Shuddering when accelerating from low speeds or after stopping is a common sign of faulty drivetrain components. It may be caused by a failing centre bearing or U-joint. This may also be accompanied by strange driveshaft noises.
Intense and abnormal vibrations
This is perhaps one of the first noticeable symptoms of a bad driveshaft. When the U-joints or bushings are worn out, it often causes excessive drive shaft vibration underneath the car. You and your passengers may be able to feel this. The problem is that it can also cause accelerated wear on other drive components.
Note: If it looks like the driveshaft is leaking oil underneath the car, it could be due to a worn axle seal. The seal ensures that the shaft’s connection to the transmission or rear differential is secure. When it goes bad, transmission fluid may be able to escape. This is usually caused by improper installation or removal of the components.
Can a bad drive shaft affect the transmission?
Yes, a bad drive shaft can affect the transmission by causing vibrations, noise, and potential damage to transmission components. When a drive shaft is damaged or out of balance, it can lead to excessive vibrations that stress the transmission, leading to premature wear or even failure of transmission parts. Additionally, these vibrations can cause noise and further mechanical issues, ultimately compromising the vehicle's overall performance and reliability. Regular inspection is crucial to prevent these problems.
What causes drive shaft failure?
Drive shaft failure is typically caused by excessive wear, lack of lubrication, misalignment, corrosion, or impact damage. Over time, the constant movement and stress on the drive shaft can lead to worn-out joints or bearings. If not properly lubricated, these components can seize up or break, leading to failure. Misalignment, whether from improper installation or damage, can cause uneven stress on the drive shaft, accelerating wear. Corrosion from exposure to moisture and road salts can weaken the drive shaft, making it more susceptible to cracks and breaks, especially if it experiences any significant impacts.
How long can you drive with a bad drive shaft?
Driving with a bad driveshaft is risky and should be avoided. While it's technically possible to drive a short distance, it increases the likelihood of serious damage to your vehicle's transmission and other components. A malfunctioning driveshaft can lead to excessive vibration, loss of power to the wheels and even a complete breakdown, potentially leaving you stranded. Immediate repair is recommended to prevent these problems and ensure your safety on the road.
What happens if my drive shaft breaks while driving?
If the drive shaft breaks, power from the engine can no longer reach the wheels, causing a loss of propulsion. Your vehicle may abruptly lose speed, making it hard to accelerate or maintain control. Depending on the circumstances, this could lead to a complete stop in the middle of the road, putting you at risk of an accident. In addition, the broken drive shaft can cause damage to surrounding components, potentially leading to more expensive repairs. If this happens, it's important to stop safely and seek help immediately.
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When do you need to change the driveshaft?
A faulty drive shaft can significantly impact the vehicle’s performance and overall driveability. Although it may be possible to continue driving, ignoring the problem could be a mistake. The longer you leave it in a bad condition, the more damage you could incur to the rest of the drivetrain components. So, it is more cost-effective to get it repaired as soon as you can.
How much is a drive shaft?
In the UK, replacing a drive shaft typically costs between £250 and £600, with prices influenced by the vehicle model and whether the drive shaft is new or remanufactured. For luxury or high-performance vehicles, the cost can rise significantly, reaching up to £900 or more. Additional factors, such as whether the drive shaft is a one-piece or two-piece design and the complexity of the repair, can further impact the final price. You can easily find compatible parts online at affordable prices by entering the details of the vehicle and the part you are looking for, e.g. “Mazda 3 drive shaft” or the VIN or OE part number.
A useful video on this topic:
How to change a CV axle
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