5 Symptoms of a Bad Drive Shaft (And Replacement Cost)

The twisting force produced by the engine is called torque. The job of the drive shaft is to transmit this torque to the wheels of the vehicle.

Most vehicles are front-wheel drive, so the torque would be transmitted to the two front wheels with what’s called a half-shaft. But other vehicles have what’s called a drive shaft.

Would you be able to tell if there was something wrong with your drive shaft? Here are some common signs that would indicate a problem with your driveshaft as well as how much the replacement cost would be.

What is a Drive Shaft?

A drive shaft (also called a propeller shaft) is essentially a long rod that is designed to transmit torque from the output shaft of the transmission to the rear differential in a rear wheel drive, four wheel drive, or all wheel drive vehicle.

A drive shaft will often have internal splines on the end that connects to the transmission and a universal joint (U-joint) on the end that connects to the differential.

In the case of a four wheel drive or all wheel drive vehicle, you may find that it actually has two separate drive shafts: one for transmitting power to the front and another to transmit power to the back.

This will depend on the manufacturer’s implementation of the four wheel drive or all wheel drive system.

Common Bad Drive Shaft Symptoms

Since drive shafts rotate quickly, they’re able to move the rear wheels of your vehicle. The only way they can keep rotating quickly is if they remain weighted down and balanced exactly right.

When the drive shaft begins to have malfunctioning issues, then your driving ability will be impaired. More specifically, there are 5 common symptoms you can recognize that will let you know there is a problem with the drive shaft or slip yoke.

1) Vibrations

If you’re driving the vehicle and you feel a lot of harsh vibrations coming from under it, then your drive shaft may be in trouble. This is usually the first symptom that people recognize when there is a drive shaft problem.

The vibrations are likely due to worn out bushings of the drive shaft. These bushings are what normally keep the drive shaft from vibrating in the first place.

If the problem is not fixed soon, the vibration will get more severe. It will get so bad that your passengers will be able to feel it too. The worst part is that other drivetrain components can also be affected and damaged.

Note that vibrations that increase with speed may mean your tires need to be balanced. This should be done regularly. Check your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendation.

2) Clunking Noise

car shuts off while driving

When you accelerate your vehicle, do you hear a clunking noise? How about when you put the vehicle into reverse, or even into drive?

If you hear clunking noises in any of these cases, then it could mean your drive shaft has an issue and should be promptly inspected. Often, this is a common symptom of a bad slip yoke.

3) Squeaking Noise

noise while driving

If you’re driving and you hear a squeaking noise that is consistently coming from underneath your vehicle, then it is a sign that your drive shaft could be faulty. It could possibly be out of balance or some other part of it could be worn out.

4) Universal Joint Movement

bad universal joint

If the U-joint of your drive shaft rotates too fast or fails to rotate, then it’s a problem with your drive shaft. The cap seals of the bearings could have rust on them. Either that or the u-joint itself is not stable.

You’ll need to have your drive shaft replaced because you can’t drive your vehicle in this condition.

5) Turning Problems

steering wheel off center

If you try to make a turn with your vehicle and the wheels don’t turn immediately or they hesitate, then you have an issue with your drive shaft. The tires will have a lot of resistance which you’ll be able to feel as you try to make a turn.

Obviously, this is a serious issue and it needs to be looked at right away.

If your steering wheel is simply difficult to turn, you may need to take a look at the power steering pump.

Driveshaft Issues in Different Drive Types

The type of drive system can affect the way your driveshaft behaves and the symptoms of a bad driveshaft that you may experience. Here are some common issues that you may encounter depending on what drivetrain type you have.

Rear-Wheel Drive

If you have a rear-wheel drive vehicle, your driveshaft is responsible for transferring power from the transmission to the rear differential. With a worn or damaged driveshaft, you may experience vibrations or clunking noises when accelerating or decelerating. You may also notice that the vehicle is difficult to control or feels unstable at high speeds.

Front-Wheel Drive

In a front-wheel drive vehicle, the driveshaft is responsible for transferring power from the transmission to the front wheels. If the driveshaft is damaged, you may experience vibrations or shaking in the steering wheel or the vehicle itself. You may also notice that the vehicle pulls to one side or feels unresponsive when turning.

Four-Wheel Drive

Four-wheel drive vehicles have both front and rear driveshafts that work together to transfer power to all four wheels. If either driveshaft is damaged, you may experience vibrations or clunking noises when accelerating or decelerating. You may also notice that the vehicle is difficult to control or feels unstable at high speeds, especially on rough terrain.

 

Can You Drive With a Bad Drive Shaft?

all wheel drive AWD Subaru

While it is usually possible to drive with a bad drive shaft, it’s usually not very wise to do it for long. If part of the drive shaft were to snap, you’ll lose power to that axle in the best case scenario. The drive shaft may fall and get wedged between the ground and your vehicle, restricting forward movement.

On some four wheel drive or all wheel drive vehicles, disconnecting one axle like this may stress the center differential or transfer case. This could cause premature wear or even failure of the center differential.

Before Subaru started mainly using CVT transmissions, they used a viscous coupling center differential. This type of differential is very sensitive to prolonged speed differences between the front and rear axles.

If the drive shaft were to disconnect on one side while it’s still spinning quickly, there is a good chance it will do massive damage to the underside of your vehicle. Remember that if one end is still connected to the vehicle, the drive shaft will continue spinning for a moment and take out anything in its path. This could be handbrake cables, brake lines, fuel lines, and even parts of the wiring harness.

Drive Shaft Replacement Cost

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drive shaft replacement cost

If you’re just replacing a half-shaft for your front wheel drive car, then it will cost anywhere from $500 to $1,200. You can expect the parts cost to be anywhere from $250 to $750, while the labor costs are only around $300 to $500.

If you have a rear wheel or four wheel drive vehicle which has a long drive shaft to power the rear wheels, then expect to pay somewhere in the range of $600 to $1,100.

These long driveshafts that connect the rear differential to the transmission can be somewhat expensive. Keep that in mind that the type of vehicle plays a major role in both the price of parts and labor.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does a Driveshaft Last?

Generally, a driveshaft will last at least 100,000 miles but it can often be for the lifetime of a vehicle. That said, the actual lifespan can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as how well you maintain it.

Factors that can affect the lifespan of your driveshaft include driving conditions, such as rough roads or extreme temperatures, as well as the type of vehicle you drive. For example, a truck that is frequently used for towing or hauling heavy loads may experience more wear and tear on the driveshaft than a small car that is only used for commuting.

Regular maintenance, such as lubricating the driveshaft and checking for wear and tear, can help extend the lifespan of your driveshaft. If you notice any of symptoms listed above, it’s important to have it inspected and repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your vehicle.

What Happens If My Drive Shaft Breaks While Driving?

If your drive shaft breaks while driving, it can become a dangerous situation. The drive shaft is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels, so if it breaks, you will lose power to the wheels. This can cause your car to slow down or even come to a complete stop.

In addition, a broken drive shaft can cause damage to other parts of your car, such as the transmission or differential.

Can a Bad Drive Shaft Affect Transmission?

Yes, a bad drive shaft can affect the transmission. The drive shaft is connected to the transmission and transfers power from the engine to the wheels.

If the drive shaft is damaged or worn out, it can cause vibrations and other problems that can affect the transmission. In one common example, a damaged drive shaft can cause the transmission to shift erratically or slip out of gear.

Kevin

34 thoughts on “5 Symptoms of a Bad Drive Shaft (And Replacement Cost)”

  1. I just received a quote of $2800.00 to replace a 2015 Cadillac SRX rear prop shaft. Is this cost in the ball park?

    Reply
  2. Thank you for explaining that harsh vibrations is one of the first signs people notice with a bad drive shaft. My daughter was telling me last night when she came home from work that she had a lot of weird vibrations while she was driving and didn’t know what the problem could be. We’ll be sure to check the drive shaft and see if that could be what’s causing it and see if we can get it fixed as soon as possible.

    Reply
  3. I have a 09 vw tiguan making a noise like a bad wheel bearing but I’ve been told it could be my drive shaft what do you think thanks Frank

    Reply
  4. Is this a common issue for a minivan? I have a 2016 town and country that does the shuddering thing, granted I do need new tires also. I don’t want to be told to replace something (especially something expensive) that doesn’t need to be.

    Reply
  5. Hello! I have a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. A couple weeks ago, my car started shaking when I went above 65mph, then shook excessively when I put the brakes on to pull over. I called 2 different mechanics and one said it could be the drive shaft but he couldn’t fit me in his schedule. The other mechanic took a look and said it was my rotors that were the issue and he resurfaced them. Now, the shaking while braking is better, but my car is much louder than normal and vibrates when I accelerate. Twice, it has become jerky while trying to accelerate as well. Do you believe this issue could be the driveshaft still, like the first mechanic said? Thank you for your help.

    Reply
    • I don’t know. It does sound like perhaps there were multiple issues you were experiencing at the same time. It’d be best to have a shop take a look at the vehicle.

      Reply
  6. Hi I have a 2011 Nissan Rogue All wheel drive and I have a clucking sound in the front end. I have had my ball joints replaced, and new axles put in. Truck was vibrating,
    I found out that it maybe the u joint which is a All in one to the drive shaft
    That part was was removed. Truck is now a 2 wheel drive and not a 4 wheel drive.
    Is the truck safe to drive?

    Reply
    • did you ever get an answer to this? my 2009 Nissan Rogue S is missing its rear drive shaft and I want to know if its okay to drive it with just the FWD!

      Reply
  7. I have a 2007 cadillac sts all wheel drive. I just purchased it .
    Engine is good but it does not run, not forward or reverse not even stays in park i have to use the hand break. When engine is running and put it in any gear it sounds like gears not engaging properly. The person that sold it to me said its a broken driveshaft, does that sound like it is a broken driveshaft or could it be something else ????

    Reply
  8. I have a 2006 BMW 3.0I. My car shakes when I drive near 50+ mph. I can make turns ok, excellerate easy. Runs good. Idles good, hums nicely! No icons on dash to indicate a problem. Could I have a rear drive shaft problem?

    Reply
  9. Hello, my 2011 Subaru Forester is currently back in the shop. It seems to shake randomly, at all speeds and also acceleration and deceleration. I found the only way to get it to stop is to do the opposite, when it happens in acceleration I just need to decelerate, etc. Could this be a symptom of a bad driveshaft?

    Reply
  10. I have a 2003 Dodge Dakota 5 speed manual transmission RWD. Yesterday it started making a clunk sound and acted like i was popping the clutch and jerk forward real quick at first it was only when i would make a left turn of any caliber (90° or U-Turn) it quickly got to a point where it will do it when accelerating from a stop in 1st, as well as just before upshifting into 2nd, 3rd and 4th, and just after as well especially around the 1800-2000 rpm range. One person thinks drive train, and another person believes it something to do with the rear Differential. Thoughts?

    Reply
  11. Hi. I’m looking for a possible answer to a problem I’m having with a 2012 Jeep Compass.

    Upon acceleration only, whenever the vehicle gets to the 1,800 to 2,000 rpm range it shakes quite badly through the centre/middle, (between the front seats) of the jeep. If I’m below or above that range the car drives fine.

    Also, if I stay in the 1,800 to 2,000 rpm range the vibration continues until I adjust the speed accordingly. The vehicle has 193,000 km on it.

    Thanks very much.

    G

    Reply
  12. hi all, I have a 2009 Jap. Toyota Auris (automatic) and the issue i’m facing is that on acceleration it vibrates really badly, especially if i push the gas pedal hard. Usually this hard vibration goes away once i reach around 60-70kmh.
    Other issue is when i’m on a stoplight it also vibrates but a bit more gently.
    Any ideas as to what’s causing this would be much appreciated!!

    Reply
  13. I have a rattly noise coming from the passenger side/ gearbox area but only when in gear, could this be the half shaft or the gearbox

    Reply
  14. I’m currently getting my drive shaft replaced on my 2013 BMW 528i. The mechanic can’t explain how the propeller shaft broke. He suspects it’s from too much torque. I went from having to pay $2500 for a new part plus labor to $450 for a used part from the junkyard.

    Reply
  15. I have a Jeep 1994 YJ wrangler 2.5. I have a Adams shaft for the front and now I would like to replace the rear driveshaft. Do I have to use a Adams or can I use another brand?

    Reply
    • The Jeep (as good as it is) still cannot read. It will not reject any part b/c of the name.
      (If in doubt put duct tape over the brand name)

      Reply
  16. I have a 2012 Dodge ram when I drive up to 70 miles and over my truck shakes badcould that be the Could my dry shaft need replaced.

    Reply
    • There are a lot of things that could cause a 70 mph vibration. I’d have the driveshaft inspected if you’re concerned, but also check the alignment and wheel balance.

      Reply
  17. My fiords steering wheel starts to shatter and vibrate really bad when driving it gets worse when going around big corners it only started when I got new front tyres is it possible they have done something wrong or could it be the drive shaft.

    Reply
    • Make sure your lug nuts are tight. It is very dangerous if your lug nuts are coming loose. I would not drive it anymore until you figure out where that vibration is coming from.

      Reply
  18. I thought it was interesting when you mentioned that a clunking sound that occurs when a vehicle is accelerating is a sign that there might be a problem with the driveshaft. I’m not an expert on vehicles, but I would guess that driveshafts are found on larger trucks. It seems that it would be important to have heavy-duty vehicles serviced by professionally trained technicians.

    Reply

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