Drive shafts

Importance of the drive shaft

The drive shaft is the component that transmits torque from the engine or gearbox to the vehicle’s drive wheels. Its main function is to transfer mechanical energy to drive the relevant vehicle axles.

Construction of a drive shaft

The drive shaft consists of a steel or aluminium tube, universal or CV joints and support bearings. It may also have vibration damping bushes. Drive shafts are usually multi-part to compensate for suspension movement.

Most common drive shaft faults

Wear on the universal or constant velocity joints.
Cracking or deformation of the drive shaft tube.
Damage to support bearings or vibration damping bushes.

How is a drive shaft remanufactured?

The most common parts to be remanufactured are the universal joints or constant velocity joints and the support bearings. If a shaft tube is cracked or deformed, it is usually replaced with a new one. Vibration damping bushes may also be replaced.