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how much does a drive shaft cost to repair

by Dr. Marilyne Mayer Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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In most cases, a new drive shaft costs somewhere between $300 and $1300. Fortunately, it only takes about an hour to replace it. A repair usually costs much less, around $200 to $300 including parts and labor, but this also depends on how many parts need to be replaced.May 25, 2022

Full Answer

How much does it cost to repair a drive shaft?

Usually, the Drive Shaft Repair costs will differ based on what caused the issue and how fast it can be repaired. If you just have to replace it, that would be anywhere from $500 to $1000. However, you can also expect the cost of the parts to be around half that number and the labor costs around $200.

How much to expect a drive shaft to cost?

Drive Shaft Replacement Cost You can expect the parts cost to be anywhere from $320 to $750, while the labor costs are only around $150 to $190. If you have a rear wheel or four wheel drive vehicle which as a long drive shaft to power the rear wheels, then expect to pay somewhere in the range of $600 to $2,000.

What is the price for a new drive shaft?

This means it is important to ensure that you use a drive shaft that is specific to your car. Because of the vast differences between drive shafts, the price also differs greatly. In most cases, a new drive shaft costs somewhere between $300 and $1300. Fortunately, it only takes about an hour to replace it.

Can you drive with a bad drive shaft?

You may be able to drive with a bad drive shaft if you are not experiencing the most severe symptoms, but it is not recommended. Continued use of a bad or failing drive shaft may end up with the drive shaft breaking down completely or snapping off, stopping the forward motion of the vehicle or causing you to completely losing control.

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Is it expensive to replace a drive shaft?

Usually, the Drive Shaft Repair costs will differ based on what caused the issue and how fast it can be repaired. If you just have to replace it, that would be anywhere from $500 to $1000. However, you can also expect the cost of the parts to be around half that number and the labor costs around $200.

Can you drive with a damaged drive shaft?

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.

How serious is a drive shaft problem?

A broken driveshaft can prevent wheels from turning properly, giving you trouble when trying to make turns. This issue limits your overall control of the car. You need any issues that prevent you from driving the car correctly addressed right away for safe driving and continued use of the vehicle.

How much does it cost to fix a rear drive shaft?

1:313:47How to Fix a Drive Shaft (U-Joint Replacement) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThen you start hitting it with a hammer to force the cap. Off. Then do the other side. And take theMoreThen you start hitting it with a hammer to force the cap. Off. Then do the other side. And take the yoke. Off then take the caps off of the shaft. And off it comes.

What does a broken drive shaft sound like?

Another symptom of driveshaft issues is loud clunking noises. These noises are usually produced by worn-out u-joints. The ability of your driveshaft to rotate correctly is altered if your vehicle has a faulty u-joint. Lack of u-joint lubrication can cause squeaking noises when you drive at low speeds.

How do I know if my driveshaft is broken?

Signs of a bad driveshaft/drivetrainVibrations from under the vehicle. A common symptom of a failing driveshaft is an intense shaking coming from underneath the vehicle. ... Difficulty turning. ... Loud clunking noise. ... Car shudders upon acceleration. ... Squeaking noise. ... Clicking or knocking noise.

What causes a drive shaft to fail?

Improper stiffness matching between the left and right smooth shafts, which results in a larger torque transmitted to the right spline, is the root cause of the drive shaft failure.

What causes a drive shaft to break?

Frequently, if a car hits another car or objects with its rear wheels (like when you back into something), the impact can cause the driveshaft to break. The same thing goes for hitting a curb – that shock alone has been known to ruin drive shafts.

How long does it take to replace a driveshaft?

In terms of labor, it should not take more than two hours. In most cases, it takes about an hour to replace a drive shaft. This means the total cost will be around $400 to $1500 including labor and parts. You could save a few bucks by replacing the driveshaft yourself as it is not a very difficult process.

Is a drive shaft easy to replace?

Changing a drive shaft is actually a simple task that a home mechanic can undertake without too much trepidation. It's just a case of being thorough, being safe, and of course having your trusty Haynes Manual to hand.

How many drive shafts does a car have?

Broadly speaking, you will be able to find at least two drive shaft for your car. Depending on your car model, you can find the drive shafts next to your front wheels or rear wheels or even both (which makes it 4 drive shafts).

Can a bent drive shaft be fixed?

To fix a damaged drive shaft that has been twisted or bent. The drive shaft tubing must be replaced and the other components must be checked for damage also. A lot of time a drive shaft comes in with dents or creases in the tubing.

What happens if you don't fix your drive shaft?

#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.

How long does it take to fix drive shaft?

That's very difficult to answer due to the multiple variables involved in removing and replacing hard to access components such as the center driveshaft on a front wheel drive vehicle like your Edge. However, in general, this type of job can often be completed in one business day; or less than 8 service hours.

What would cause a drive shaft to break?

Usually drive shaft issues can be attributed to aftermarket engine modifications (more torque) or tires (more traction, and thus a higher peak torque through the shaft). In both those cases slight twisting of the shaft near the failure point will be visible.

How many miles will a drive shaft last?

about 75,000 milesIf you allow the driveshaft to die completely, then it will reach the point where the wheels no longer receive any power. While there is no set lifespan of a driveshaft, it typically can last about 75,000 miles. Keep in mind depending on the vehicle, and wear and tear you may get much less or much more.

How much does it cost to repair a drive shaft?

Parts will vary significantly from one vehicle to the next. The average cost of parts of drive shaft repair is between $400 and $600.

How much does a drive shaft cost?

Compare your quote to other individuals from around the country to make sure you are getting the best deal. The average for Drive Shaft is $750

What Is Done during Drive Shaft Repair?

Your mechanic is going to have to spend some time testing your car’s parts and seeing how extensive the damage is before beginning serious work. A lot of times, a damaged crank shaft results in other damages to the car, and the mechanic needs to know how severe and widespread that damage is.

How to tell if a drive shaft is in need of repair?

You can look for signs like a lack of power, difficulty getting the car to move or squeaking, clanking or vibration when the car is in motion. All these may indicate that the drive shaft is in need of repairs.

What happens if you don't get your drive shaft repaired?

Benefits of Drive Shaft Repair. If you don’t get your drive shaft repaired, there are serious consequences for your car in the future, but having this repair done means that you will be avoiding a lot of expensive repairs later. This can be a pretty costly job already, and the sooner you get it done, the more money you will save.

How to save money on a repair job?

Because this is such an expensive repair job, in most cases, your best bet for saving money is to compare the cost of the parts and labor. See how much each mechanic in your area will charge you for the service and also check to see if you can source some of the parts on your own to get a better deal.

Why do repair jobs cost so much?

Part of the reason this repair job costs so much is because of all the work and expertise that goes into it.

How much does a drive shaft repair cost?

Another option for you is Mr. Tire, which provides the broken drive shaft repair cost at between $550 and $2195, which is a little bit more expensive than the previous two options.

How much does it cost to fix a broken drive shaft?

The price of the broken drive shaft repair cost on the high end can go upward of $2,000, with the average labor costs being around $70, but sometimes doubling if the car is a difficult one to assess. Parts will vary depending on ...

How to tell if drive shaft is broken?

Vibrations. If you are driving your car and you all of a sudden realize that it is not the smooth ride yo are used to and you feel vibrations, especially through the steering wheel, then this is a sign that you need to look at the broken drive shaft repair cost that you might have to pay. This is a clear sign your drive shaft is damaged ...

What happens if you wear out drive shaft bushings?

If these bushings are worn out, the drive shaft will become damaged, vibrate, and you are looking at a higher broken drive shaft repair cost. If the problem with the bushings and drive shaft are not fixed relatively quickly, the vibrations will get more noticeable and more severe, leading to other issues like passenger discomfort ...

Why is my car's drive shaft not rotating?

If the U-joint in your car or your drive shaft is rotating too fast or does not rotate properly at the right speeds or location, then this is a clear problem with your drive shaft in your car. The seals of the bearings could have been corroded or rusted over time, or the U-joint has become shaky and unstable, leading to a higher broken drive shaft ...

What happens if the drive shaft breaks?

If the parts of the drive shaft were to completely break in two and snap during use, you will lose power to the axle and prevent the ability to drive smoothly. In addition, the drive shaft can get wedged between the ground you are driving on and your car, leading to the inability to move your car forward.

What is the function of the drive shaft?

The drive shaft. Also known as the propeller shaft, is a long rod that has a main function of transmitting torque from the transmission to the rear wheels. Basically, the torque must be sent from the output shaft to the rear differential. The rear differential in your car functions to connect to the transfer case or transmission via the drive shaft.

What should a broken drive shaft repair cost?

If you just have to replace it, that would be anywhere from $500 to $1000. However, you can also expect the cost of the parts to be around half that number and the labor costs around $200. So even for a simple repair, you can end up with around $1500-$1700 invested in the Drive Shaft Repair process. That might not feel like much, but it can be an issue if you want to avoid expenses like this.

How much does it cost to repair a half shaft?

If you are only repairing a half section or half the shaft, then the prices will differ. This can cost anywhere from $350-$850 depending on location. Again, the cost of parts is around average for all repairs. with labor topping out the rest of the cost at $150-$250 depending on the service center, state, and taxes for that state.

Why is it important to repair a drive shaft?

If your vehicle has issues more often than not the drive shaft can be problematic and you have to fix it. If the driveshaft just doesn’t work the way it should, it can end up being super demanding and your vehicle will malfunction more and more.

How much does it cost to fix a rear wheel drive?

On average the price for this kind of repair on this type of vehicle will come in somewhere in the range of $700-$1800

Why does a drive shaft damage happen?

Driveshaft damage can happen because of something as simple as hitting a nasty bump in the road or a pothole; it can also occur during a collision with another vehicle.

How much does Fixter beat dealer prices?

Remember: Our Fixter garages consistently beat dealer prices by up to 30% — that’s a superb saving for our customers.

What does your driveshaft—or prop, propeller or cardan shaft— do?

Your driveshaft connects your gearbox to the differential gears that finally drive your wheels.

What is a fixer?

Digital, transparent and stress-free, with world-class customer service. Since launching in Manchester in 2017, Fixter has expanded to more than 100 cities across the UK and provided thousands of car owners with honest, convenient and affordable car repair services.

How much does it cost to fix a drive shaft?

The cost involved during a driveshaft repair varies from $400 to $800 counting on the make, model, and year of your car. If you’ve got a rear-wheel or four-wheel drive car, then the worth of the broken drive shaft repair cost is going to be much higher. During this case, you ought to be able to pay somewhere between a mean range of $600 and $2,000. In addition to this do note that in a 4-wheel-pressure vehicle, you could have driveshafts but in most cases, only one of them will be required to be replaced.

What happens when you wear out your driveshaft?

6. Vibrations: When you have a worn-out driveshaft, it’s going to cause vibrations to return from underneath the vehicle which may be felt through the wheel or floorboard. These vibrations including another symptom should be a transparent sign that your shaft must get replaced.

How does a drive shaft work?

It is a cylinder that is usually made of steel or aluminum and basically connects the rear differential and your transmission. It works along with an axle and CV joint to allow the torque from the transmission to reach the wheels and drive the vehicle at a steady speed. As the driveshaft spins at a very high speed so the smallest imbalance will be immediately noticeable while driving. Continue reading to explore the functioning of a driveshaft and the symptoms of a faulty driveshaft and also to know how much a driveshaft cost if it needs a replacement.

Why is a driveshaft important?

A driveshaft is also important for a safe and enjoyable drive. In addition, the driveshaft is also in charge of connecting to the transmission. It also makes sure that U joins to the differential to ensure that all the parts have connections and secure hold to prevent any kind of leakage.

What happens if you leak grease from your CV boot?

1. Leaking Fluid: When there is a leakage of any kind and grease coming from the CV boot, there’s a strong possibility of the driveshaft joint being damaged.

Where is power delivered in a vehicle?

On this vehicle, power is delivered by front wheels. All components are in the front of the vehicle. Constant velocity (CV) joints are used rather than using universal joints in this type of setup.

Is it easy to maintain a car?

After going through the above points. The conclusion is that it is not an easy task to maintain your car on a regular basis. You must understand that the driveshaft of a car has its great importance. And if you experience any of the above symptoms in your car while driving you to need to get the driveshaft replaced.

How much does it cost to replace a half shaft?

If you’re just replacing a half-shaft for your front wheel drive car, then it will cost anywhere from $470 to $940. You can expect the parts cost to be anywhere from $320 to $750, while the labor costs are only around $150 to $190. If you have a rear wheel or four wheel drive vehicle which has a long drive shaft to power the rear wheels, ...

How much does it cost to replace a rear wheel drive?

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 $2,000. Keep that in mind that the type of vehicle plays a major role in both the price of parts and labor.

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.

Why does my drive shaft vibrate?

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.

Why does my drive shaft make a clunking noise?

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.

How many drive shafts does a 4 wheel drive vehicle have?

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.

What happens if you disconnect the drive shaft?

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.

How long does it take to replace a driveshaft?

A drive shaft replacement typically takes 1 hour, but can take less or more time. Ultimately, the time that the job will take depends on a range of factors. For example, your vehicle's make and model, year, as well as other factors. Select your car at the top of this page for information on job time and cost for your vehicle through ClickMechanic.

How are estimates on shaft repair made?

Estimates on repair costs, such as the above results for a drive shaft repair, are created by combining data from multiple third-party sources. The actual cost of using your local repair providers may be outside of the estimated range. We provide estimates on repair costs for information only and accept no liability for any inaccuracies or errors. If you think an estimate is incorrect, please contact us to let us know.

What are the symptoms of a bad drive shaft?

When the car vibrates whilst driving, noticeable through the steering wheel.

Can you drive with a broken drive shaft?

Driving with a broken or defective drive shaft can potentially be dangerous lead to further damage to your vehicle . If you suspect there is any issue with your drive shaft or there are concerns about its age or condition, book an inspection with a professional mechanic immediate effect and do not drive the vehicle.

Is it dangerous to drive with a bad CV joint?

Yes, it is dangerous to drive with a bad CV joint. Over time the CV joint can deteriorate if its protective CV boot is damaged, and the grease inside gets contaminated. Ultimately this can lead to the part disintegrating when you drive which could mean you lose control over the vehicle.

Is a drive shaft the same as a prop shaft?

A prop shaft is slghtly different from the drive shafts in that the prop shaft on rear wheel drive or 4 wheel drive vehicles transfers power from the engine and gearbox to the rear wheels. A drive shaft, on the other hand, transfers power to a wheel usually from a differential on the front or rear of the car.

What does a Driveshaft do?

On rear-wheel drive (and all-wheel drive) cars the driveshaft transfers the power from the engine to rear wheels to be distributed over the two rear wheels. In some cars the driveshaft connects to a transaxle (a gearbox and differential mounted at the back of the car), but in most cars it transfers the power from the gearbox attached to the engine at the front to a differential at the back.

How many pieces of drive shaft can be balanced?

The modern-day services might have a computerized driveshaft balancer that is able to balance up to four pieces of the drive shaft depending on its specification. This multi-step process includes checking for tolerances in U joints and tubing while making sure it’s corrected at all times as well. Lastly, the part will be balanced to meet the manufacturer’s RPM recommendation. To ensure a vibration-free drive, weights are often welded onto it.

Why is a balanced drive shaft important?

A balanced driveshaft is extremely important for a smooth driving experience. The torque from the engine and transmission must be equal to each other, as well as at the same speed at which your car’s driveshaft spins in order to balance it correctly. By balancing your shafts you will prevent any problems that may arise due to an out-of-sync driveshaft or unbalanced driveshaft.

How to tell if you have a Cardan shaft?

The first sign that you have a Cardan shaft that requires a quick intervention of the car mechanic is the metallic sound that the moving part will produce when starting the car.

What happens if RPMs are not stable?

If the RPMs are not stable and reach a certain speed, it may result in the failure of the driveshaft.

Is the Cardan shaft lubricated?

Most of the components that make up the Cardan shaft are lubricated from the factory, but this lubrication may not be enough to support the movements made by the auto while driving, after a certain period.

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