Drive Shaft Repair

A driveshaft, or driveline, can last the lifetime of a vehicle if it is properly maintained. But the harder you drive your vehicle, especially with offroading, the more likely you are to need drive shaft repair or a new driveshaft. If your car vibrates when driving at high speeds, it could be a sign that the drive shaft is damaged and needs to be repaired. Also, if there is a strange noise coming from underneath the car while it is moving but not there while stopped, it could be a sign that the drive shaft needs to be repaired or replaced. But vibrations are the key indication that you may need your driveshaft repaired.

If you have a stock or OE driveline then a repair may not be cost effective. But if you have an upgraded or custom driveshaft you may want to look at the possibility of repair before immediately replacing it. A repair is most feasible if you only need the universal joints replaced or you only need drive shaft balancing. If there are significant bends or breaks and the ends are fairly inexpensive it may be easier to rebuild the driveshaft. But if your existing driveline costs a reasonable amount and some of the driveshaft components are still in good shape it may be possible to repair it. The best way to know for sure is to remove the driveshaft and bring it in to a driveshaft repair shop nearby. If you are in the Southern California the techs at JE Reel Driveline in Pomona can let you know what the best options are.

The cost of a driceshaft repair will primarily depend on the cost of parts and the extent of the damage. In some cases, you may only need to replace the universal joints which can be fairly inexpensive. In other cases, you may need to retube the drive shaft, and replace other parts. After the parts are replaced driveshaft balancing would complete the repair. For some driveshafts this could range up to &800 or more. But for a high performance custom driveline that normally costs $1600 that still saves you 50% off the replacement. In that case it is definitely worth the cost. For lower end driveshafts a repair could cost as little as a couple hundred dollars. So the cost can vary depending on a few factors.

Proper maintenance of your drive shaft can prolong its life and prevent the need for repairs. If your driveshaft has a boot you will want to check it periodically for cracks or splits. If the boot is damaged it can allow water and dirt to get into the joints which will cause them to fail prematurely. You should also check the universal joints, or u-joints, for wear. If they are excessively worn they will need to be replaced to avoid driveline failure. If you have greaseable universal joints you will want to grease them according to the chart below.

If you regularly take your vehicle offroading or rock crawling you will want to inspect the drive shaft after each trip. Look for any sign of damage such as dents, bends, or cracks. If you find any damage it is best to have it repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage and the need for a complete replacement.

And if you do any towing with your vehicle make sure the drive shaft is properly balanced. It is easy to tell if your driveshaft is out of balance because you will feel a vibration when the driveline hits higher RPMs. By following these tips you can help to prevent any damage to your drive shaft and avoid needing repairs.

JE Reel Driveline has been repairing and building custom drive shafts for over 40 years. We are a family owned and operated business that takes pride in our workmanship. And it shows by the notable racers and builders that trust us with their custom driveshaft applications. With this expertise and track record we can custom tailor any build or driveshaft repair to your specific needs. Whether you need a stock replacement or a high performance custom driveline we can get you what you need. So if you are in need of any driveline repairs or upgrades give us a call today! (909) 629-9002