How to Remove a Car's Drive Shaft

Removing a car's drive shaft is easier than you might think. A few steps cover procedures needed for most rear wheel drive cars. Use the following steps to get through the process quickly and on to the next phase of your project.

Things You'll Need

• Wrenches
• Floor jack
• Jack stands
• Electrical tape

Instructions

1. Make sure car is on a flat surface, tires are blocked off and the emergency brake is engaged. This will prevent the car from moving during the procedure.

2. Place the floor jack under the rear differential of the car. Jack the car up to the desired work height. Put jack stands under the frame for extra precaution in the event that the floor jack fails.

3. Refer to your car's manufacturer's manual to locate the rear drive shaft. Loosen nuts at the U-joint where the drive shaft connects to the yoke. Repeat at the other end.

4. Remove bolts. Carefully lower the drive shaft to the ground without disturbing the U-joint bearing caps.

5. Wrap electrical tape around the exposed caps on the U-joint to prevent them from falling off.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy a repair manual specific to your vehicle for reference.

• Do not jack up vehicles in dirt or grass.

• Make sure you car is steady and secure before climbing under the vehicle.

Resources

• Drive Shaft Specialists
• Front wheel drive instructions