6 Symptoms of a Bad Driveshaft (and Replacement Cost)

A driveshaft is the critical link between engine and wheels. Without it, your vehicle simply wouldn’t move.

Though driveshaft issues are rare, they do occur. Learn what makes driveshafts tick, how to spot symptoms of driveshaft failure, and what it’ll cost to replace a bad driveshaft.

How a Driveshaft Works

The driveshaft is what makes any vehicle move by connecting the rear differential to the car’s engine and transmission. It is a mechanical component shaped like a tube or cylinder which allows the transmission to power the differential. This is how the rear wheels of a standard car are able to move in the first place.

The driveshaft is long since it has to run from the front transmission to the rear differential. To help with the flexibility of the driveshaft, U-joints are located at both ends of the driveshaft. This allows the driveshaft to flex slightly when driving over bumps, potholes, and other road imperfections.

Without this driveshaft, power wouldn’t be supplied to the rear wheels. But don’t worry because driveshafts won’t just fail instantly unless you are involved in a serious accident. They tend to slowly deteriorate over time, which gives drivers a chance to notice the symptoms of the failing shaft early on.

But you have to be able to recognize these symptoms in order to take action by replacing your driveshaft. Otherwise, you could end up seriously damaging your car or ending up in a bad accident.

See Also: The Difference Between Limited Slip Differential and Locking Differential

Top 6 Bad Driveshaft Symptoms

Your vehicle must have a functional driveshaft if it is going to move properly. If your driveshaft were to ever go bad, then there would be some clearly visible symptoms that would present themselves. Here are six common signs to watch out for.

#1 – Turning Issues

The most obvious symptom of a bad driveshaft is when you have trouble turning your vehicle. Your wheels won’t receive the proper amount of torque due to a U-joint issue at the end of the driveshaft, so making turns will be very difficult due to the additional resistance.

Difficulty in turning can indicate other issues (anything from low power steering fluid to a damaged differential), so combine this symptom with additional symptoms below to help confirm.

Once you confirm it’s the driveshaft at fault, you need to get it replaced quickly or risk an accident due to not being able to control the vehicle.

#2 – Squeaking Noise

If there is a squeaking sound present that will just not go away, then you may have problems with the driveshaft.

This could be due to worn out internal components such as bushings or bearings within the shaft or U-joint or possibly an imbalance in the shaft. Usually the noise increases as you go faster.

Related: Common Causes of Driveshaft Noise

#3 – U-Joint Rotation Issues

Your driveshaft has a U-joint which rotates at a steady pace. If the rotation fails or speeds up too quickly, then it will cause issues with your driveshaft.

Perhaps you have a bad U-joint or your bearings have rust on the cap seals. This may require you to replace your entire driveshaft if the damage is too significant.

Read Also: 4 Bad Slip Yoke Symptoms

#4 – Clunking Sound

A failing driveshaft could cause clunking sounds to be heard as you step on the gas pedal or drive in reverse. These may be in addition to the squeaking sounds that you normally hear all the time.

At this point, you should feel more than motivated to want to replace your shaft before some real damage occurs.

#5 – Vibrations

When you have a worn-out driveshaft, it may cause vibrations to come from underneath the vehicle which can be felt through the steering wheel or floor board. These vibrations coupled with another symptom should be a clear sign that your shaft needs to be replaced.

In most of these cases, the shaft may have bushings which are worn out. Remember that the shaft is held in place by the bushings. If the bushings are loose, damaged, or worn out, then your shaft will vibrate because of it. Then it could lean to your shaft getting damaged.

Read Also: Does Your Truck Need a Slip Yoke Eliminator?

#6 – Shuddering While Accelerating

If you experience shuddering or shaking when attempting to accelerate from a stop or low speed, you may have a worn U-joint or center bearing inside the driveshaft. This will usually be accompanied by strange noises as well.

You’ll want to get a certified mechanic to get under your vehicle and check out all driveshaft related components to confirm the issue.

Driveshaft Replacement Cost

The cost to replace a driveshaft for a typical front-engine, rear-wheel drive vehicle can vary quite a bit and is highly dependent on the make and model. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $400 to $1,260 total but it can easily approach close to $2,000 for some vehicles.

Parts alone will set you back $300 to $1,000 and for the 1 to 2 hours of work required, the labor cost will usually run from $100 to $260. Keep in mind that you’ll usually pay quite a bit more at a dealership service center than if you were to have an independent repair shop do the work

If you have a four-wheel drive vehicle, you may have two driveshafts but in most cases, only one will need to be replaced.

How Long Do Driveshafts Last?

Typically, driveshafts will last for the lifetime of the vehicle, but you can expect to get a minimum of 75,000 miles from them. But remember, the life of your driveshaft depends on various factors like the type of vehicle, its build, and the wear and tear it experiences.

For example someone who simply uses their car mainly for highway commutes has very low risk of driveshaft failure while someone who uses their vehicle for heavy towing or off-roading will be in the high risk category when it comes to driveshaft issues.

What Causes Driveshaft Failure?

Worn U-Joints or Bushings

First off, worn out universal joints (U-joints) or bushings can be a major cause. When these little guys wear out, they can cause excessive driveshaft vibration.

This kind of vibration will usually strike when you’re accelerating or driving at high speeds. It’s not fun, but it’s a dead giveaway that something’s not quite right with your driveshaft.

Faulty CV Joints

If your car’s making clicking or knocking noises, that often points to CV joint troubles. They may have worn down without proper maintenance or lubrication, so it’s essential to keep an eye (or ear) on them.

Lack of Lubrication

Just like any other part of your vehicle, your driveshaft needs proper lubrication to function smoothly. If you’re hearing squeaking noises at low speeds, that could mean your U-joint needs some TLC in the form of lubrication, or the CV center ball might need some attention.

Excessive Loads or Stress

Carrying excessive loads or putting frequent pressure on your vehicle can also lead to driveshaft problems. Over time, the added stress weakens the driveshaft and its components, making it more prone to failure.

So remember, as much as your car might feel like it can handle it all, try not to push it too hard.

Preventative Maintenance

Proper Lubrication

Taking care of your driveshaft starts with ensuring proper lubrication. This reduces friction, which can cause excessive wear on components like the U-joints and propeller shaft. Keeping your drivetrain well-oiled can help extend the life of your driveshaft.

Whether you have a rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, or all-wheel-drive vehicle, always refer to your owner’s manual for proper lubrication procedures.

Regular Inspections

Inspecting your driveshaft to identify any potential issues early on is helpful to do on a regular basis. This includes checking the components, such as the wheels and differential, for signs of wear or damage.

Regular inspections can also help spot any issues with your steering wheel or acceleration, which may be indicators of a failing driveshaft.

Addressing Issues Early

Ultimately, addressing driveshaft issues early on can prevent costly repairs and extend the lifespan of your driveshaft. Don’t ignore any symptoms – address any concerns promptly to avoid a headache down the road.

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Mark Stevens

Owner at Car Treatments

Mark is a veteran auto technician who has honed his skills with over 19 years of service working at various independent shops. While Fords and Mazdas are his specialty, he enjoys working on practically any vehicle (except a Nissan 300ZX).

He’s known for his attention to detail and problem-solving skills and enjoys coming up with out-of-the box solutions when the situation requires it.

When he's not troubleshooting customers' cars, you'll most likely find him working on his current project ('96 Bronco) or cooking Italian food for his family.

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