What is a tailshaft?

A tail shaft is as essential part in any rear wheel drive vehicle. Essentially, it's the shaft that transmits power from the gearbox at the front of the vehicle, right the way down the back to the differential. Without a tail shaft, your rear wheels won't be moving.

What does a tailshaft do in a car?

A tailshaft, also known as a propeller shaft, is a crucial component of a vehicle's drivetrain system. It's responsible for transmitting power from the transmission to the differential, allowing the wheels to turn.

What is the difference between a tailshaft and a driveshaft?

In vehicles the tailshaft transfers power from the gearbox to the differential, as opposed to a driveshaft which transfers power from the differential to the wheels or other mechanical parts, causing rotation. Tailshafts in marine vehicles refer to the rear section of a ship's propeller shaft.

Can you drive with a broken tailshaft?

While this is unlikely to affect the transmission, it can damage the differential beyond repair. Never drive a vehicle with a broken drive shaft. Have the vehicle towed to a drive shaft specialist to repair the damage.

How much does it cost to fix a tail shaft?

The average replacement cost for a drive shaft replacement ranges from between $300-$750 depending on the make and model of your car while a car axle boot repair can be anywhere from $100-300+. You can also buy kit boots which contain all the necessary parts for you to do DIY repairs for a drive shaft.

HOW A TAILSHAFT IS MADE

How do you know if you have a bad tailshaft bearing?

A failing tailshaft centre bearing often makes itself known through a few telltale signs. One of the most common indicators is a noticeable vibration while driving, particularly at higher speeds. You might also hear a loud clunking or thumping sound, especially when accelerating or decelerating.

Is it worth fixing a drive shaft?

Repairs may not always address the root cause of the problem, and there is a risk of issues reoccurring if the driveshaft was weakened structurally. In many situations, a replacement is a more reliable option as it ensures long-term durability and reduces the likelihood of future problems.

Is a drive shaft an MOT failure?

CV joints, boots (gaiters) and driveshafts are a common MOT failure. All drive-shafts and prop-shafts have a flexible joint at either end which needs continuous lubrication. These joints (CV joints) have a rubber boot to hold the grease within the joint itself.

What are the symptoms of tailshaft coupling?

Signs of a faulty coupling include excessive vibration, rattling or knocking noises especially when accelerating.

What noise does a broken driveshaft make?

Clicking or knocking noise

See your mechanic for a repair.

What is another name for a tailshaft?

A drive shaft, driveshaft, driving shaft, tailshaft (Australian English), propeller shaft (prop shaft), or Cardan shaft (after Girolamo Cardano) is a component for transmitting mechanical power, torque, and rotation, usually used to connect other components of a drivetrain that cannot be connected directly because of ...

What happens if my drive shaft breaks while driving?

When the drive shaft breaks, the power from the engine can no longer reach the wheels, resulting in a loss of propulsion. Your vehicle may suddenly lose speed and become difficult to accelerate, making it challenging to maintain control.

How much does a new driveshaft cost?

Driveshaft replacements from a shop can cost anywhere between $500-$1500 all in, depending on a variety of factors. Calling a shop for a quote is always the best way to get an accurate idea of what you could pay for a replacement.

Does a tailshaft need to be balanced?

An imbalanced tailshaft can cause vibrations and uneven movement, which may affect how your vehicle handles. Balancing the tailshaft means adjusting it so that its weight is distributed evenly, allowing for smooth and consistent rotation.

Is a tailshaft and driveshaft the same?

While the tailshaft handles power delivery from the transmission to the differential, the driveshaft (axle shaft) takes over from the differential, delivering power to the wheels. These shafts, equipped with CV joints, allow the wheels to move independently while maintaining smooth power transmission.

What does CV joint stand for?

Answer: Constant velocity, or CV, joints are used to connect your vehicle's transmission to your wheels. CV joints are part of the driveshaft and are used primarily on front-wheel drive vehicles, but they are also used in rear- and four-wheel drive vehicles.

What is the life expectancy of a drive shaft?

Typical Lifespan of a Driveshaft

On average, a driveshaft can last between 70,000 to 100,000 miles. However, this lifespan can vary based on several factors: Driving Conditions: Regular driving on rough or uneven terrain can lead to quicker wear and tear.

How much does it cost to replace a drive shaft UK?

Average driveshaft replacement cost in the UK

The average driveshaft replacement cost is anywhere between £250-500 in the UK. Your final cost will depend on numerous factors, such as: Front vs rear driveshaft. Car make and model.

Is changing a drive shaft a big job?

For a typical front-wheel-drive car, such as a Toyota Yaris or Corolla, a skilled mechanic can usually replace a single driveshaft in around one to two hours. This is because the shafts are relatively short and easy to access once the wheel, hub nut, and sometimes a lower suspension arm are removed.

How do you know if your tailshaft is unbalanced?

It can manifest in a variety of unsettling sensations, primarily through vibrations and shuddering. When a tailshaft is unbalanced, these vibrations often intensify with speed, starting as a subtle annoyance and growing into a major disturbance. At lower speeds, you might notice a gentle, rhythmic vibration.

How to tell if crankshaft bearings are worn?

A low or reduced oil pressure is an early symptom of a bad crankshaft bearing. You will usually notice it when you first start your car. Sometimes, a worn bearing can also set off the check engine light to illuminate intermittently depending on the severity of the problem.

How much does it cost to replace a drive shaft bearing?

Replacing a drive shaft typically costs between $250 and $1,000. That includes both the part itself and the labor to install it. The part alone usually ranges from $100 to $500, depending on your vehicle's make and model. Labor, on the other hand, will add anywhere from $150 to $500 to the total bill.

How many drive shafts does a car have?

From the rear differential, two smaller half shafts then connect to each rear wheel. So, technically, a rear-wheel-drive car could have up to three driveshafts: one prop shaft and two half shafts. This is why it's always worth knowing your vehicle's drivetrain before ordering parts.

What does a bad driveshaft U joint sound like?

Clunking Noise

A common symptom of a failing u-joint is a loud clunking sound when putting the car into drive or reverse.

Why does my driveshaft clunk when accelerating?

Worn universal joints: The universal joints at each end of the driveshaft can wear out over time, causing a clunking noise when accelerating or shifting gears. Imbalanced driveshaft: An imbalanced driveshaft can cause vibration and noise, especially at high speeds.