What happens when the drive shaft goes out?

When the driveshaft in a vehicle goes out, it can cause significant problems and potentially leave the vehicle inoperable. The driveshaft is a crucial component that transmits power from the transmission to the rear axle, enabling the wheels to turn and the vehicle to move forward.

Understanding the Driveshaft

The driveshaft is a long, cylindrical shaft that connects the transmission to the rear differential or axle. It is responsible for transferring the rotational force from the engine to the rear wheels, allowing the vehicle to move. The driveshaft is typically made of steel or aluminum and is designed to withstand the high torque and rotational forces generated by the engine.

Symptoms of a Failing Driveshaft

• Vibrations: One of the most common signs of a failing driveshaft is increased vibrations in the vehicle, especially at higher speeds. This can be caused by a worn or damaged driveshaft that is out of balance or misaligned.


• Clicking or Clunking Noises: As the driveshaft wears down, it may start to produce clicking or clunking noises, particularly when accelerating or decelerating.


• Difficulty Shifting Gears: A problem with the driveshaft can also affect the transmission, making it difficult to shift gears smoothly.


• Loss of Power: If the driveshaft is severely damaged or broken, the vehicle may experience a complete loss of power, rendering it unable to move.

If any of these symptoms are present, it is essential to have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic to determine the root cause and address the issue before it leads to more serious and costly repairs.

Causes of Driveshaft Failure

There are several common causes of driveshaft failure, including:

• Wear and Tear: Over time, the driveshaft components can wear down due to normal use, leading to imbalance, misalignment, or even breakage.


• Accidents or Impacts: Hitting a pothole, curb, or other object can cause damage to the driveshaft, leading to problems.


• Lack of Maintenance: Failing to properly maintain the driveshaft, such as by not replacing worn-out parts or not properly lubricating the universal joints, can contribute to its failure.


• Overloading: Exceeding the vehicle's weight capacity or towing capacity can put excessive strain on the driveshaft, leading to premature failure.

If a driveshaft fails, it is essential to have it repaired or replaced as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the vehicle and ensure safe operation.

What happens if your drive shaft goes out while driving?

If a driveshaft breaks while driving, it will cause an immediate loss of power, loud clunking or grinding noises, and potentially a sudden stop or loss of control. You should take your foot off the gas, steer to a safe place, turn off the engine, and call for a tow truck, as it will be impossible to drive the car and further attempts could cause more damage.
 
This video explains what happens when a driveshaft breaks while driving: 43sFindTheBestCarPriceYouTube · Apr 7, 2023
What to do immediately

• Take your foot off the gas: Avoid accelerating, as this could cause the broken shaft to spin and damage other components like the transmission or differential. 
• Steer to safety: Use the steering wheel and brakes to pull over to the side of the road as quickly and safely as possible. Engage your hazard lights to alert other drivers. 
• Turn off the engine: Once stopped, turn off the engine immediately to prevent further damage and potential oil leaks from the transmission or differential. 

What happens to the vehicle
This video explains the symptoms of a failing driveshaft: 57sShop OwnerYouTube · May 12, 2025

• Loss of power: The car will stop moving, even if the engine is running. 
• Loud noises: You will hear loud clunking, grinding, or banging sounds. 
• Potential for a sudden stop: A broken piece of the driveshaft could drop to the ground, get lodged, and cause the vehicle to stop abruptly, potentially leading to a skid. 
• Damage to other components: Pieces of the broken shaft can fly off and cause significant damage to the transmission, exhaust, fuel lines, or other parts of the undercarriage. 

Next steps

• Do not try to drive: Even if the car is a 4WD, a broken driveshaft means you will need a tow truck. Attempting to drive it could cause even more expensive damage. 
• Call for a tow truck: The vehicle will need to be towed to a mechanic for professional inspection and repair. 

How much would it cost to fix a driveshaft?

The cost to replace a drive shaft varies significantly based on the vehicle make, model, and the complexity of the drive shaft system. Typically, the part itself ranges from $300 to $900. Labour charges usually range between $150 and $400, depending on accessibility and the vehicle configuration.

Can a car drive without a drive shaft?

A car can sometimes drive without a drive shaft, but it depends on the type of vehicle. A two-wheel drive (2WD) vehicle cannot drive without its drive shaft, as it is the component that sends power to the wheels. However, many four-wheel drive (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles can continue to operate in 2WD mode, using only the remaining drive shaft. 
How it works

• 2WD vehicles: These vehicles have a single drive shaft connecting the transmission to the differential. Without this shaft, power cannot be transmitted to the wheels, and the car will not move. 
• 4WD/AWD vehicles: These vehicles have a more complex system with at least two drive shafts, a front and a rear. 
  • If the rear drive shaft is removed, a 4WD/AWD vehicle can still drive in 2WD mode, using only the front wheels. 
  • If the front drive shaft is removed, the vehicle can still be driven using the rear wheels, but it would likely require engaging a 4WD option to get power to the rear wheels. 

Important considerations

• Safety: Driving without a drive shaft can be unsafe and should only be considered as a temporary measure to move the vehicle to a safe location. 
• Vehicle type: For some vehicles, especially AWD models, removing a drive shaft can damage the transmission or other components. 
• Mechanical issues: If a drive shaft breaks while driving, it can cause loss of control and may damage other parts of the car. 
• Alternatives: The safest option is to have the vehicle towed to a mechanic for a proper repair. 
• Temporary solutions: In some cases, it may be possible to use a temporary plug to seal the opening left by a removed drive shaft to prevent damage to the transmission. 

Note: This is not a recommendation to drive a vehicle without a drive shaft, and such action should only be performed in an emergency or as a temporary solution when absolutely necessary.

What are the symptoms of a bad driveshaft?

Signs of a bad driveshaft/drivetrain

• Vibrations from under the vehicle. A common symptom of a failing driveshaft is an intense shaking coming from underneath the vehicle.
• Difficulty turning.
• Loud clunking noise.
• Car shudders upon acceleration.
• Squeaking noise.
• Clicking or knocking noise.