Driveshaft Replacement Cost Estimate

Concerned about potentially overspending on your driveshaft replacement? Use MyMechanic to obtain a fair cost estimate for your driveshaft replacement.

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ow much does it cost to replace a driveshaft?

Typically, a drive shaft repair costs can vary depending on your vehicle’s make and model.

How long does it take to replace a driveshaft?

Driveshaft replacement times can vary depending on your vehicle. If only one driveshaft needs to be replaced, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour. If your car has multiple driveshafts that need repair, the time and cost can increase accordingly.

How did we estimate these prices?

My Mechanic experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all states in Malaysia, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified MyMechanic in Malaysia, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair.

What parts do I need for my driveshaft replacement and how much do those parts cost?

When completing a driveshaft replacement, you may need to replace the following parts:

  • Constant velocity joint (CV):Each of your vehicle’s wheels has 2 CV joints—an inner that connects the transmission to the CV axle or wheel drive axle and an outer that brings together the vehicle’s axle and wheel.

  • CV axle:A CV axle is an important part of your vehicle’s driveshaft as it moves the power from the differential and transmission to your car’s tires.

  • Rear axle:Your rear axle is the source that transmits power to your rear wheels.

  • End and tube yoke:The tube yoke and end yoke also contribute to the overall performance of your car. End yokes help smooth the transfer of power in your vehicle.

  • Driveshaft: Found most commonly on rear-wheel drive vehicles and four-wheel drive vehicles, driveshafts help to rotate your wheels via torque from your engine. To replace a driveshaft component on its own, costs can vary depending on the specific part and vehicle model.

You can purchase driveshaft parts for your car from various auto parts stores and online retailers. However, the best brands and parts for your driveshaft replacement will vary based on your vehicle’s year, make, and model.

A damaged driveshaft needs to be replaced quickly, and OEM products are often recommended. OEM parts ensure compatibility with your specific vehicle and typically come with a warranty for added peace of mind.

Most driveshaft replacement parts can be purchased through various auto parts and repair shops. Additionally, online marketplaces offer a wide range of driveshaft assembly kits for different vehicle models.

Where can I get my driveshaft replacement near me

Repairing a broken driveshaft is a significant undertaking, and finding the right mechanic can be challenging. That's why Mymechanic uses real hourly rates to review and rank mechanics in Malaysiya—so you don't have to.

Mymechanic also provides valuable information on diagnostic fees (and whether they’re included in your service pricing) and shows you real reviews about each service. It’s everything you need to stay on time and budget.

How did we vet these shops?

My Mechanic experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the Malaysia. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually.

How will a mechanic replace my driveshaft?

To complete a driveshaft replacement, your mechanic will start by raising your vehicle off the ground using a platform and inspecting it. During the inspection, they will check for any signs of damage to components such as the slip yoke, end yoke, or tube yoke, as well as examining your vehicle’s transmission. Then, they will likely proceed with the following steps:

  • Remove flange mounting bolts:Connected to your rear differential are flange mounting bolts designed to secure it in place. Your mechanic may mark their position for reinstallation later before removing them. As a result, the rear end of the driveshaft will loosen, requiring caution to prevent it from falling.
  • Place drain pan:Once the flange mounting bolts are removed, your mechanic will position a drain pan under your transmission to catch any fluid that may leak out when the driveshaft is removed.
  • Knock driveshaft loose:Next, your mechanic will use a dead blow hammer to tap the driveshaft loose from the differential.
  • Remove center support bearing bolts:Some vehicles have bolts that secure the rear of the front driveshaft to the center support bearing. If your vehicle has these bolts, your mechanic will remove them to detach the driveshaft.
  • Remove driveshaft and replace:Finally, the mechanic will install the new driveshaft into the transmission, reversing the steps taken to remove the old one.
  • Top off differential oil and transmission fluid:If any transmission fluid or differential oil leaked during the process, your mechanic will replenish these fluids to their appropriate levels before lowering the vehicle.
  • Algin and test:Lastly, your mechanic will align all components and conduct a test drive to ensure the drivetrain is operating effectively.

What happens if I don’t replace my driveshaft?

Your driveshaft is a crucial component of your vehicle's drivetrain. Ignoring issues with your drivetrain can make it challenging to control your car. Other consequences of a faulty driveshaft include:

    • Unwanted pressure on other car parts
    • Transmission failure
    • Stiff tires due to loss of power

On some all-wheel drive vehicles, power loss to one axle can stress the center differential, leading to premature wear and tear on the underside of your car or damage to brake cables, fuel lines, and more.

What is a driveshaft?

The driveshaft, sometimes referred to as the propeller shaft, is a cylindrical tube that transmits torque from the transmission to the differential. The differential then utilizes this torque to drive the wheels.

Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, the design of the driveshaft may vary. For instance, front-engine rear-wheel drive cars typically feature longer driveshafts that connect the rear axle to the transmission.

When should I replace the driveshaft on my car?

Faulty driveshafts exhibit various signs and symptoms indicating the need for repair. Some common indicators that it's time for a driveshaft replacement include:

      • Clunking sounds:Do you hear a loud knock or clunk emanating from under your vehicle? This often indicates that a u-joint is worn and requires replacement—or it could signify that your driveshaft needs inspection.
      • Vibrations:Another indication of a failing driveshaft is vibration. If the vibration is intense and originates from beneath the vehicle, it suggests that the driveshaft bushings or u-joint are experiencing premature wear.
      • Shuddering while accelerating:Loose u-joints and worn center bearings in the driveshaft can cause your vehicle to shudder upon acceleration. You may also notice unusual sounds accompanying this symptom.
      • Trouble turning:If your driveshaft is failing, you may experience difficulty turning as insufficient power is being transmitted to your wheels.

If any of these symptoms occur, it’s recommended to pull over to the side and inspect your vehicle before calling a mechanic. Continued driving may cause further damage to your vehicle or pose a risk to yourself and others on the road.

How often should a driveshaft be replaced?

Your car’s driveshaft can last the lifetime of your vehicle—but it’s always best to check it every 75,000 miles. If you’ve modified the height of your vehicle, you’re more prone to experience wear and tear on the driveshaft, and you may need to inspect and replace it sooner.

Pro Tip: One way to extend the lifespan of your driveshaft is to ensure that your u-joints are well lubricated.

Can I replace the driveshaft myself?

With the right mechanical and DIY skills, you can replace your driveshaft. However, if you lack a solid understanding of vehicle components and are uncertain about your mechanical abilities, it's advisable to seek assistance from a professional.

FAQs

When examining your driveshaft, be sure to inspect for loose end yokes, radials, bent shaft tubing, or any missing plugs in the slip yoke. All of these components play a crucial role in your driveshaft's performance, so it's essential to ensure they are all in proper working order.

If you observe any of the aforementioned issues, it's advisable to reach out to a mechanic promptly as they could be indicative of a more significant problem.

Driveshafts can fail for several reasons. The most common, however, are worn or insufficiently lubricated u-joints, poor bearings, or loose shafts. While driveshafts can experience typical wear and tear, they are more likely to fail due to premature wear and tear from other parts or modifications.

Yes, the yokes on a driveshaft need to be aligned for it to operate properly. If a driveshaft isn’t aligned, it can result in vibrations that can further damage it or cause other mechanical issues.