Drive Shaft Keeps Breaking: 5 Reason and Solution

The Driveshaft is also known as the tail shaft or propeller shaft; the drive shaft is responsible for delivering and distributing the torque and rotation of the engine to other parts of the car as soon as you shift to drive mode. Simply put, it makes the car’s wheels rotate to get it into motion.

Drive shaft keeps breaking Reason and Solution
Drive shaft keeps breaking: Reason and Solution

If the driveshafts of your car break down, then the power won’t be supplied to the car’s rear wheels and will leave you with problems when turning the car, or it will affect the overall drivability of the car.


Drive shaft keeps breaking: What is the Reason? 

Driveshafts are extremely durable as they are responsible for moving and turning the car in any direction. Driveshafts are not meant to be broken but yes, they can break in several cases.

In this section of the article, we will discuss all the reasons that might be causing your driveshaft to break.

Drive shaft keeps breaking: What is the Reason?Β 
Drive shaft keeps breaking: What is the Reason? 

πŸš— Worn U joints

If your car has worn out or broken U joints, it might also be the reason for this problem.

Solution: Try seeking a repair for the U-joints yourself only if you have prior experience in handling the complex parts of the car. If not, then try contacting a local mechanic.

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πŸš— Incorrect installation

This might be that the installation of the driveshaft in your car is not done properly; this can be one of the main reasons why your drive shaft keeps on breaking from time to time. 

Solution: Get the driveshaft system diagnosed by a mechanic and then ask for replacement or reinstallation of the driveshaft.

πŸš— Fake materials

It’s very common for the mechanics and workers in the automobile repair shop to replace the original part of the car with another fake or damaged product just to fill their pockets.

This can lead to the installation of fake or damaged parts in your car, including the drive shaft, which is the reason why the drive shaft of your car keeps breaking down.

Solution: The solution to this problem is to get your car serviced at a reputable service center or mechanic shop to avoid these kinds of mistakes that might cause you a lot of money and time.

πŸš— Rough driving

If you are a rash driver, it can be harmful to other people and your car as well; rough driving can weaken or wear out the drive shafts of your car. 

Solution: The solution to this problem is that you should try not to drive. Not only does it harm the body of your car, but it can also lead to various accidents.

πŸš— Harsh driving conditions

This might be possible that because your car has to go through a lot of potholes and bumps over the speed breakers, the driving shaft might get damaged from these and will lead to the breaking of the driving shaft.

Solution: The solution for this problem is to try to avoid the routes filled with potholes or speed breakers, even if you cannot avoid them. Make sure you keep your speed low when you’re on that route.


What happens if my drive shaft breaks while driving?

It is not common for your driveshaft to break abruptly during a drive; before the complete breakdown of the driving shaft, there will be noticeable symptoms that one can easily identify.

Even if it breaks suddenly during a drive, you will lose your ability to steer the car in either direction, leading to major havoc, risking the driver’s and the civilian’s lives. There will also be a huge decline in the ability to accelerate or go forward because now there is no connection with the car’s rear wheels.


How long can you drive with a bad drive shaft?

You shouldn’t drive at all with a bad drive shaft as it may cause serious accident.

How long can you drive with a bad drive shaft?
How long can you drive with a bad drive shaft?

A normal drive shaft lasts about 75,000 miles without any damage, but it should be noted that the condition of the driveshaft depends a lot on the driving patterns and the road conditions. If you drive your car on a bad road, it might impact the condition of your drive shaft, whereas when you drive your car on a comparatively less damaged road.


What is the most common driveshaft problem?

A bad or faulty drive shaft has various problems that might sustain your car and hamper your car experience. Here are some of the common problems that are in accordance with the driveshaft problem:

What is the most common driveshaft problem?
What is the most common driveshaft problem?

πŸš— Torn driveshaft cover

If your drive shaft is broken or faulty, then it can be possible that the only line of defense for the drive shaft, which is the drive shaft cover, is damaged. The role of this drive shaft cover is to keep the dirt and debris out of the line.

πŸš— Clicking noise

This is very easily noticeable when you sharply turn your car in any direction and hear that clunking noise. This is because your car’s driveshaft is damaged and making this noise.

πŸš— Vibration

If you have a bad driving shaft and are steering your vehicle, then you might have observed a strange vibration caused by your car’s steering wheel; this is another common problem that is complimentary with the bad and faulty driveshaft. If you experience too much vibration from your driveshaft, then this indicates that your drive shafts are excessively damaged.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it worth fixing a drive shaft?

If your driveshaft malfunctions occasionally or repeatedly, try to replace the driveshaft instead of repairing the damaged one.

How long do driveshafts last?

On average, the driveshaft of a car lasts about 75,000 miles.

How much does it cost to fix a drive shaft?

The repair cost for a damaged driveshaft can range anywhere between $500 to $1000.

What happens if you don’t fix your drive shaft?

The driveshaft is an important component in the driveability of your car. A damaged driveshaft can revoke the ability to turn your car or even accelerate as you will lose control over the rear wheels of your car.

What does a broken driveshaft sound like?

A broken drive shaft may make a rattling, clunking sound followed by unnecessary vibration.

Can you drive without a drive shaft?

No, you cannot drive a car without a drive shaft because with no drive shaft, there would be no control over the car’s rear wheels, and hence it will not accelerate, and you won’t be able to turn your car.

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Conclusion

Drive shafts are very important in the functioning of a car. If they get damaged, it will directly affect the driveability of your car, which involves turning your car and accelerating your vehicle as soon as you know that your driveshaft is damaged or if you notice certain symptoms, try reaching out to a mechanic as soon as possible.