How much does it cost to replace an entire drive shaft?
Typically, a driveshaft replacement costs about $600 to $1,600 per shaft, depending on vehicle type, labor rates, and whether you’re swapping just the shaft or additional components.
What drives the cost
Several factors influence the final bill. Here are the major determinants that affect price and timelines.
Vehicle configuration and access
The layout of your vehicle—front-wheel drive (CV axles), rear-wheel drive (one-piece driveshaft), or all-wheel drive (often more complex or multiple shafts)—significantly changes parts and labor requirements. Accessibility under the vehicle also affects how long the repair takes.
- Front-wheel-drive or transverse engines with CV half-shafts are usually cheaper to replace than long rear driveshafts.
- All-wheel-drive systems can require work on more than one shaft or additional components, increasing cost.
- Vehicles with tight underbody access or those with exhaust or fuel-line routing nearby may incur higher labor time.
Parts quality, warranty, and labor rates
The type of parts (OEM vs aftermarket vs remanufactured) and the length of the warranty can move the price. Labor rates vary widely by region and shop level of expertise.
- OEM parts tend to cost more than aftermarket or remanufactured options but may come with longer warranties.
- Independent shops typically charge lower labor rates than dealerships, but both may add diagnostic or disposal fees.
- Longer or more comprehensive warranties can add to the upfront cost but provide protection against future failures.
Understanding these factors helps explain why quotes for driveshaft work can vary widely from one shop to another.
Estimated price ranges by configuration
Here are typical ranges for common configurations. Real quotes depend on your car model, location, and parts choice (OEM vs aftermarket).
- Front-wheel-drive / CV axle replacement (one half shaft): approximately $200 to $800 per axle, including parts and labor.
- Rear-wheel-drive driveshaft replacement (single shaft): roughly $600 to $1,500.
- All-wheel-drive driveshaft replacement (one shaft or multiple shafts): about $1,000 to $2,500.
- Heavy-duty or luxury vehicles: often $1,500 to $3,000 or more per driveshaft.
Prices vary based on whether the job requires only a shaft, or additional parts such as U-joints, center bearings, seals, balancing, or alignment checks. Always request a written estimate that lists parts, labor hours, taxes, and any disposal or shop fees.
Tips for saving money and getting a solid repair
Keep these cost-conscious strategies in mind when approaching a driveshaft replacement.
- Shop around: obtain multiple written estimates from independent shops and dealers to compare not just price, but included services.
- Ask about remanufactured or aftermarket driveshaft options and warranty terms.
- In some cases, a worn U-joint, center bearing, or boot can be replaced separately, which is cheaper than a full driveshaft replacement.
- Clarify what’s included in the price (bolts, lubricants, balancing, disposal fees, diagnostics) to avoid surprises.
- Check if the part or repair is still covered under any warranty or service bulletin applicable to your vehicle.
By gathering several quotes and understanding the possible configurations, you can find a balance between cost and long-term reliability.
Summary
Replacing an entire driveshaft is a mid-to-high-cost repair with a wide price range. For most passenger cars, you can expect roughly $600 to $1,600 per shaft, with higher costs for all-wheel-drive setups, luxury brands, or heavy-duty applications. Prices vary with vehicle configuration, part quality, and regional labor rates. Obtain multiple quotes, review what’s included, and consider whether a partial repair (like replacing a U-joint or center bearing) could be a cheaper, equally effective option. Planning ahead helps ensure a safe, reliable repair without overpaying.
