Driveshaft & Axle
Driveshaft
A driveshaft carries power from the transmission or transfer case to the axle that drives the wheels. We list 33 driveshafts from $156 to $736 for 1994-2015 vehicles, from Dorman, SKP and A1 Cardone, with fits for the Chevrolet Equinox and S10, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Kia Sorento, BMW X3 and Honda CR-V.
Shop driveshaft by vehicle
Signs of a bad driveshaft
Common symptoms include vibration that grows with road speed, a clunk when you shift into drive or reverse, squeaking from a dry U-joint, and a shudder on acceleration. Visible damage such as a dented tube, missing balance weights or a worn slip yoke also call for attention. Worn U-joints or CV joints are often the cause, and on some shafts they can be replaced on their own. A complete shaft is the simpler fix when several joints are worn or the tube is damaged.
Front, rear and length
4WD and AWD vehicles use both a front and a rear driveshaft, and they are different parts, so check the position. Length matters most: listed lengths here range from about 64.5 in to more than 91 in, and some shafts adjust within a range. Tube diameter, the number of joints, and the end fittings at the transfer case and axle must also match. Trucks vary by cab and bed length, so check the fitment table carefully.
Installation notes
Choose your year, make and model and check the fitment table for drive type, transmission and wheelbase. Park on level ground, chock the wheels and support the vehicle on jack stands. Mark how the old shaft lines up with the flanges before removal, and install the new shaft the same way if the instructions call for it. Tighten the flange bolts or U-joint straps to the service manual torque, then road test for vibration.
Driveshaft questions
How do I know if I need a front or rear driveshaft?
On 4WD and AWD vehicles, the front shaft runs from the transfer case to the front axle and the rear shaft runs to the rear axle. Check which one is damaged and pick that position on the listing.
Can a bad driveshaft cause vibration?
Yes. Worn joints, a bent tube or lost balance weights cause vibration that usually increases with speed. A clunk on shifting into gear is another common driveshaft symptom.
Should I measure my old driveshaft before ordering?
It is a good idea, especially on trucks with several cab and bed combinations. Measure as the listing describes and compare with the listed length before you order.