Drive Shaft FAQ

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Why do I need to replace my drive shaft?

Your drive shaft may need to be replaced because of wear and tear, or because a modification to the suspension of your vehicle has occured. When a vehicle is lifted, the distance between the transfer case and your axles increases. With this increase in distance, attempting to use a stock drive shaft could result in the drive shaft separating while under flex, or the onset of a new driveline vibration. If you have a vibration issue, see the Double Cardan question below for answers.

How do I measure my drive shaft length?

Measurement is critically important. Too long and it could break your transfer case, too short and it could fall apart. Visit our page on how to measure your drive shaft for all the important details.

How do I determine which series U-Joint I need?

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Do I need a Double Cardan or Standard Style drive shaft?

Double cardan shafts utilize multiple u-joints with a center ball to solve the vibrations caused by an increase in drive line angle. Driveline vibration can occur for multiple reasons. When a vehicle is lifted the angles of the drive shafts become greater. Due to the way a drive shaft with u-joints work, the vibration comes from the u-joints trying to do their job. While this is a vibration you could live with, your transfer case won't be happy about it. Eventually the seals will go and, if you catch the leak in time, it can be fixed but, a transfer case that is run low on fluid, won't be a happy transfer case for long. In the end, it's less expensive to install the correct components rather than deal with the failed ones.

If you order a Double Cardan shaft, the yoke on the transfer case will need to be upgraded as well. The best and most cost effective way to do this is with a Slip Yoke Eliminator kit. Keep in mind, that this kit shortens the main shaft in the transfer case as a means for reducing driveline angle. You must perform your drive shaft measurement after installing the SYE kit!

Is it necessary to replace the drive shaft straps and bolts when installing a new drive shaft?

The correct answer is yes, you should. These are the tiny little components that hold your drive shaft in place and in many ways, take the abuse that torque, horsepower, and hoping deliver. If they are weak, the risk of your drive shaft coming loose under load increases. You do not want to have a drive shaft banging around under your vehicle at 2,000 RPM, it's an aweful noise and feeling to have. For just a few dollars, you can add piece of mind by replacing them.

In order to get your vehicle moving, you need a gearbox that transmits the engine speed with the right torque.  A drive shaft is needed to get this to the wheels. The design varies depending on the type of vehicle. Often, these are multi-part drive shafts in the form of a cardan shaft for rear-wheel drive. Use the following guide to find out how the shaft works in the car and what to do if it is defective.

What is a drive shaft and where is it located in a car?

The drive shaft, together with the gearbox, is part of the entire drive train. This is put together as described below to ensure that the correct torque is delivered to each individual wheel.

• Engine
• Coupling
• Transmission
• Drive shaft front axle and/or rear axle
• Axle differential

If all components are intact, you can drive your vehicle.

The Structure of a Drive Shaft

The basic structure of the drive shaft is explained below, although  technical details vary from manufacturer to manufacturer:

Position of the universal joint or drive shaft: It connects the front or rear axle to the transmission. In vehicles with four-wheel drive, both axles are naturally controlled via the differential. In this context, the frequently asked question of how many shafts a car has can also be answered: at least two.

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The constant velocity joint is another crucial component, known in technical terms as a homokinetic joint. It is used to evenly transmit torque over an angle to a second shaft and represents the direct connection on the gearbox side.

Joints as connecting elements on the inside of the wheels are easily recognizable by the rubber sleeves that surround them, which look like an accordion. They are filled with grease, serve to protect the joints, and keep them supple for longer.

Other components include vibration dampers and devices that compensate for movements in the vehicle suspension, for example, so that even torque is transmitted. Starting from the gearbox, it is exposed to a wide range of stresses. Constant velocity joints, especially on the front axle as the steering axle, must do their job reliably even when the steering wheel is turned.  They are also known as U-joints.

Components/Parts of Drive Shaft

Here is the anatomy of the drive shafts to understand it completely and the causes of its failure.

Shaft Body: It is a cylindrical body responsible for transferring the torque. 

Universal Joint: U-Joints connect components of drive shafts, allowing a smooth power transfer from the shaft to the differential. Also, it accommodates the movement of the drive shaft as the car&#;s suspension articulates.

Yokes: These are the mechanical connections at each end of the drive shaft that hold the U-joints in place. They have a yoke shape, connecting to the transmission, differential or car axle.

Slip Yoke: It is used in vehicles with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. The slip yoke connects the drive shaft to the transmission output shaft and adjusts the length of the shaft slightly as the suspension moves up and down.

CV Socket Yoke: These fittings in a driveshaft are available in two types &#; greaseable and non-greaseable.

How do I recognize a defective drive shaft?

Some signs indicate a defect in the entire component or individual components,  although their service life should correspond to that of your vehicle. The reasons are varied, with the following listed among the main causes:

• Wear and tear due to high continuous loads  caused by a rather aggressive driving style, which includes cavalier starts with the steering wheel turned
• If the grease leaks out of defective cuffs lubrication suffers and is no longer guaranteed.
• Poor-quality grease is used to lubricate the joints.
• Incorrect installation during replacement can also lead to premature damage.

Depending on the vehicle, damage to the shaft can be detected through various noises. The problem is that these cannot always be specifically attributed to the drive shaft (cardan shaft), as there may also be other reasons. Vibrations, for example, occur when your tires are unbalanced. Always pay attention to the following symptoms:

1. With front-wheel drive, cracking noises occur on the front axle when driving through tighter curves
2. You discover a buildup of dark grease inside the rims
3. There are grease splashes on the fender due to a defective cuff
4. You notice vibrations while driving that are also transmitted to the steering wheel

Small parts can also break, such as the  ABS ring that belongs to the drive shaft. In modern vehicles, the error is often displayed via the indicator lights or can be read out using a diagnostic device. It is available as a spare part and can therefore be replaced. 

Other errors or defects occur directly at the interface to the gearbox. Statistically speaking, leaky cuffs are one of the most common causes of a defective drive shaft. If they are leaky, dust and dirt can penetrate, causing the affected drive shaft to be damaged in no time.

Can I replace the drive shaft myself?

That depends on your technical know-how and whether the appropriate workshop equipment and the tools required for the change are available.  Then there is the question of which car you drive.  In a VW Golf, for example, replacing the shaft or the drive shaft joints is somewhat easier than in an Audi A3, as has been reported in various forums.

However, controversial discussions regularly arise here. If in doubt, seek expert advice. It may also happen that the component cannot be removed from the gearbox using the tools available.  In this case, there is no way around a specialist workshop. With older cars, the question arises as to whether the required spare parts are still available. All in all, a broken shaft requires relatively quick action.

Conclusion

Overall, this Blog provides a comprehensive and understandable presentation of the driveshaft and its functions. It not only explains the structure and function of the driveshaft but also addresses possible failures and the replacement process. The distinction between a cardan shaft and a drive shaft rounds off the blog. With this knowledge, the reader can better assess the condition of their drive shaft and take the necessary measures if necessary.

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