Replace Driveshaft
How to Replace a Driveshaft
Removing a driveshaft is a simple job in most cases. A driveshaft will need removed
to replace leaking transmission
tail housing seals, replace
universal joints, if the driveshaft has been damaged, or if major
transmission repairs
or differential
repairs are needed. The driveshaft is used to transfer the energy from the transmission
to the differential. Most drives shafts are equipped with
"U" joints, "CV"
(constant velocity) joints or a flex coupler to help continue the shafts operation
without binding when the suspension is in motion. (Note: When the drive shaft is
removed, the vehicle will no longer be held by placing the vehicle in park or a
standard transmission in gear. Therefore, it is very important that the
parking brake and
tire blocks be used to hold it in place).
Park your car on level ground with the engine off and the
emergency brake off. Block
both sides of the front wheels. Always raise a car according to the manufacturers
recommended instructions and secure with jack stands. Also, we will be dealing with
grease so be sure to wear protective clothing, eyewear and gloves. Never trust only
a hydraulic floor jack.
Tools and Supplies Needed to Complete this Job
1. Floor jack 2. Jack stands 3. Wrench set 4. Electrical tape 5. Tire blocks 6. Pry bar
7. Drip pan 8. Socket and ratchet set with extensions
Directions Step 1 - Locate the driveshaft under the vehicle. Step 2 - On the differential side (rear axle) of the drive shaft, you will see where the rear universal joint is mounted (at the end of the drive shaft) to the differential using U-bolts or regular bolts. Step 3 - Using a wrench, remove the nuts at the end of the U-bolts or mounting bolts.
Step 4 - Once the nuts/bolts are removed, remove the U-bolts (bolts) and gently pry the U-joint away from the yoke. Make sure to hold the driveshaft so it doesn’t fall. The end caps on the universal joint can come off and there are needle bearings that can be lost or damaged. Step 5 - Once the universal joint is moved away from the yoke, wrap electrical tape around the end caps so they don’t fall off. Step 6 - Next, lift the weight off the drive shaft and slide the front section carefully from the transmission tail housing (transfer case on 4wd), and slide the driveshaft from under the vehicle. We recommend placing a drip pan under the tail housing in the event transmission fluid leaks. Step 7 - Wrap the U-joint with electrical tape to help hold the end caps in place while the shaft is being serviced. Step 8 - Check and fill the transmission or transfer case with fluid after the shaft has been reinstalled.
Best Practices
Tools and Supplies Needed to Complete this Job
1. Floor jack 2. Jack stands 3. Wrench set 4. Electrical tape 5. Tire blocks 6. Pry bar
7. Drip pan 8. Socket and ratchet set with extensions
Directions Step 1 - Locate the driveshaft under the vehicle. Step 2 - On the differential side (rear axle) of the drive shaft, you will see where the rear universal joint is mounted (at the end of the drive shaft) to the differential using U-bolts or regular bolts. Step 3 - Using a wrench, remove the nuts at the end of the U-bolts or mounting bolts.
Step 4 - Once the nuts/bolts are removed, remove the U-bolts (bolts) and gently pry the U-joint away from the yoke. Make sure to hold the driveshaft so it doesn’t fall. The end caps on the universal joint can come off and there are needle bearings that can be lost or damaged. Step 5 - Once the universal joint is moved away from the yoke, wrap electrical tape around the end caps so they don’t fall off. Step 6 - Next, lift the weight off the drive shaft and slide the front section carefully from the transmission tail housing (transfer case on 4wd), and slide the driveshaft from under the vehicle. We recommend placing a drip pan under the tail housing in the event transmission fluid leaks. Step 7 - Wrap the U-joint with electrical tape to help hold the end caps in place while the shaft is being serviced. Step 8 - Check and fill the transmission or transfer case with fluid after the shaft has been reinstalled.
Best Practices
- Look for signs of rust in and around the universal joint, this is a sign that the joint has failed and needed to be replaced
- Recheck the transmission and the transfer case fluid level to ensure proper operation.