Drive Shaft Repair Cost: Everything You Need To Know

in Service and Maintenance
Drive shaft in a car

Universal joints shaft by Panoha — CC BY-SA 3.0

The drive shaft is a critical part of the drivetrain. Its job is to transmit torque from the transmission to the differential. The energy moves to the wheels to push the car forward. If you have a broken drive shaft, you can’t drive. Repairs are expensive - what does the drive shaft repair cost?

If you want to learn more about a drive shaft repair cost, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn more about the overall prices, whether it’s ideal to repair, and indications of a bad drive shaft. The more you know, the sooner you can get back on the road. What does a typical drive shaft repair cost? Let’s talk about it.

Cost Of Drive Shaft Repair

The drive shaft is a vital part of your car. The drivetrain helps push the vehicle into motion, and one broken component can impact the entire ability of the car to stay on track. The drive shaft helps propel parts that make the wheels turn and allow movement when the driver presses the pedal.

If you want to repair a drive shaft component in a car, it’s not a cheap endeavor. According to gandgaautorepair.com, an average drive shaft repair cost will cost $1500 - $1700 if completed by a professional. If you do it yourself, it costs at least $200 less. The price will also vary based on the extent of the repairs needed in the drive shaft. The lowest repair falls around $700 for the basics.

It’s not cheap to repair a drive shaft, so ensure you have savings set aside in case the need arises for repairs. The more prepared you are, the less anxiety-inducing a break will be in your life.

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Is It Better To Repair Or Replace?

Thanks to the expense of drive shaft repairs, you may wonder about replacement. After all, the drive shaft may break down and stop working properly again. Is it better to repair the drive shaft or should you replace it?

In terms of cost, it may be more practical to ignore the drive shaft repair cost and go for a replacement instead. A full fix on a drive shaft will cost about $1800. A full replacement for the drive shaft will cost closer to $1000.

If it’s in bad shape, it may be better to replace it because:

  • It’s cheaper: It’s often cheaper to replace than repair a drive shaft.
  • It requires less work: It is less work for a professional to put in a new drive shaft than repair one. 
  • It will last longer: A new drive shaft will last longer than one that has been repaired.

It will last longer in the end.

If you only have minor repairs, the drive repair cost may be cheaper. Ensure you do your research before deciding on the best choice for your situation.

Indications Of A Bad Drive Shaft

If you have a bad drive shaft, there are usually indications in the system. These appear when you drive.

According to oards.com, here are some signs of a bad drive shaft:

  • Clunking sound
  • Vibrations
  • Squeaking
  • Turning issues

These indicate trouble.

Let’s talk more about each issue to help you better determine when there’s something wrong with your drive shaft. The more you know, the better prepared you can be for a drive shaft repair cost.

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Clunking Sound

A strange clunking noise is the most obvious indicator of something wrong with the drive shaft. It may happen when you turn on your car, put the vehicle into drive, or attempt to reverse. It will be noticeable and a little confusing.

If you notice this sound, take your car to a professional as soon as possible. The stability of your drivetrain could be in danger. The longer you hesitate, the greater the chance of extreme damage in the future.

Vibrations

Most cars drive smoothly on the road. If you notice intense vibrations beneath the car, it could be a faulty drive shaft. This symptom is the most commonly reported and noticed by drivers with issues with their drive shaft.

This issue usually happens when the bushings are worn out on the drive shaft. These items prevent the vibrations from affecting the car, so their absence results in unwanted movement. 

If you feel vibrations, take the car in as soon as possible. Ignoring the issue could further damage the drivetrain and force passengers in your vehicle to experience the faults.

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Squeaking

If you hear a squeaking noise from the base of your car, your first thought may be a fault with the tires. However, unwanted squeaking is another symptom of a broken drive shaft. It shows that it could be out of balance or worn out from too much use.

If you notice squeaks and they aren’t from a tire, take your car in. They will be able to diagnose the trouble and determine if the drive shaft is at fault in this scenario. The sooner you act, the better your car will fare if there is an issue.

Turning Issues

Finally, turning troubles could be a sign of a drive shaft problem in a car. It might feel like your tires hesitate when you turn the wheel or resist your movement. This error can prove dangerous on the road if you need to act fast in reaction to a situation.

If you notice faults in your steering, take it to a professional. This symptom is the most dangerous and can result in a crash if ignored for too long. Steering is critical to a safe drive.

Final Thoughts

A drive shaft repair cost can run you $1800 at most, while minor repairs fall closer to $700. It’s an expensive repair process because the parts are rare, so it may be better to replace the drive shaft altogether to save money.

We hope this information was helpful! A drive shaft is a critical component in a vehicle. Without it, you may run into issues on the road. If you notice any of the signs above, ensure you take your car to a repair shop.

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