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What does a driveshaft do on cars or vans?

We, CarFix Garage, are a one-stop destination for driveshaft service in London.

A driveshaft is essentially the component that “drives” a car by transferring power from a car’s engine to its wheels. It has a tubular design and is usually made from aluminium, steel or carbon fibre to ensure it's both strong and lightweight.

Front-wheel drive vehicles don’t usually have driveshafts. However, because in four wheel and rear wheel drive vehicles the gearbox and differential are separate units, the driveshaft is needed to transmit the turning motion of the gearbox to the differential. As the output shaft of the gearbox rotates it spins the driveshaft, which then turns the differential ring gear to rotate the wheels.

Driveshafts are a very precisely balanced and weighted component because they rotate at very high speeds in order to turn the wheels. When the driveshaft has an issue, it can instantly affect the drivability of the vehicle.

At CarFix Garage Car Mechanic in London , we pride ourselves on going above and beyond for the customer. We have a fantastic reputation. We’re known for being one of the friendliest garages in London who deliver the highest standard of customer service. That’s why London local drivers are so quick to recommend our diagnostic checks. 

CarFix Garage Auto Repairs, your trusted partner for comprehensive car care solutions.

At CarFix Garage, we understand the importance of your vehicle’s performance and safety, which is why we’re committed to providing top-notch repair services tailored to meet your needs.

We are expert in diagnosing and resolving mechanical, electrical, and technical problems in all types of vehicles, regardless of make or model.

Our team of skilled technicians is equipped with the expertise and knowledge to handle all types of car repairs efficiently and effectively. From routine maintenance tasks like oil changes and tire rotations to complex engine diagnostics and electrical system repairs, we’ve got you covered. 

A bad drive shaft will fail the MOT?

Yes, a bad drive shaft can and will likely cause an MOT failure. Specifically, a drive shaft with issues like a damaged or insecure CV boot, loose or missing securing bolts, excessive wear, or bending/damage can be a major defect. 
Why a bad drive shaft is an MOT failure:
• CV Joints and Boots: CV joints are vital for transmitting power and are protected by boots (gaiters) that need to be in good condition. A damaged or insecure CV boot allows dirt and moisture in, causing premature wear of the joint, which is a failure item. ?
• Securing Bolts: Loose or missing securing bolts on the drive shaft can make it unsafe and is a failure. ?
• Excessive Wear: If a drive shaft component is excessively worn, it could fail, resulting in an MOT failure. ?
• Bent or Damaged: If a drive shaft is bent or badly damaged, it will be a major defect. ?
• Bearing Condition: Excessively worn bearings in the drive shaft can also lead to failure. ?
In summary: A bad drive shaft, particularly issues with CV joints, boots, securing bolts, or overall condition, will likely cause an MOT failure. 

How often should a driveshaft need replacing on cars or vans?

There is no set lifespan of a driveshaft, but it shouldn’t need to be replaced for at least 75,000 miles, unless it gets damaged. It’s important to note that this can vary a lot depending on the car, driving style and habits. The driveshaft will need to be replaced sooner if it gets damaged. Because driveshafts are very precisely balanced and weighted, when there is an issue, it will instantly affect the drivability of the car.

What happens during a driveshaft repair on my car?

Our certified mechanics will:

  • Safely jack the car so they can inspect the driveshaft.

  • Replace the faulty or damaged driveshaft if necessary.

  • Check any related components and advise if any need to be replaced.

  • Double check the drive assembly and test drive the car.

  • Make any final adjustments, if needed.

What causes a driveshaft to break?

Since drive shafts must rotate very quickly in order to do their job, they must remain weighted down and balanced exactly right. Therefore even the slightest damage will prevent the drive shafts from operating properly. This damage is usually due to an accident or can occur whilst driving over a bump or pothole. In most cases, when the driveshaft becomes damaged the car will become very bumpy and difficult to handle.

When should a car driveshaft be replaced?

While there is no set lifespan of a driveshaft, it shouldn’t need to be replaced for at least 70,000 miles. It’s important to note that this can vary a lot depending on the car, driving style and habits.

The driveshaft will need to be replaced sooner if it gets damaged. Because driveshafts are very precisely balanced and weighted, when there is an issue, it will instantly affect the drivability of the car.

What are the symptoms of a bad driveshaft?

Usually, there a few signs you can look for:

  • Scraping, squeaking and rattling sounds from underneath your car.

  • Problems when turning your car is a tell-tale sign of a bad driveshaft.

  • Intense vibrations coming from underneath the car.

  • A significant shudder when accelerating from low speed or a stopped position.

What happens during a driveshaft repair on car?

Our certified mechanics will:

  • Safely jack the car so they can inspect the driveshaft.

  • Replace the faulty or damaged driveshaft if necessary.

  • Check any related components and advise if any need to be replaced.

  • Double check the drive assembly and test drive the car.

  • Make any final adjustments, if needed.

What is the average life of a driveshaft?

There is no set lifespan of a driveshaft, but it shouldn’t need to be replaced for at least 70,000 miles, unless it gets damaged. It’s important to note that this can vary a lot depending on the car, driving style and habits.

Can you drive with a bad driveshaft?

Driving with a bad driveshaft is not recommended. A damaged or faulty driveshaft will severely affect the drivability of your vehicle, making it very difficult to handle and potentially dangerous on the roads. If your driveshaft is damaged you will experience issues when turning, shuddering when accelerating and intense vibrations when driving.

What happens if you don't replace a bad driveshaft?

Failing to replace a bad driveshaft could result in further, more expensive, damage to the car. If you begin to experience any of the above symptoms, we recommend having your driveshaft inspected and replaced if necessary. Having your car regularly serviced will ensure that any issues related to the driveshaft are picked up and dealt with early.

Besides, we also perform additional checks on related car components to ensure optimum road safety.

Hence, stop searching for ‘driveshaft repair near me’ and visit us today at Unit 4, 30-100 Colindeep Ln, London, NW9 6HB.

CarFix Garage are the leading experts in automotive parts repair including tyres, MOT , car servicing, collision repair and more. To find out more about Driveshaft Repair in London NW, contact us online here or call us directly on 020 8200 8181

We specialise in bumper repairs, car dents and scratch repairs. We've repaired over 30,000 cars. Fast repairs and conveniently with CarFix Garage in London. Get a quote!

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