How to Replace a Car's Drive Shaft

Some car repairs and maintenance can be too challenging for most do-it-yourselfers, and some, such as oil changes or tune-ups, can be easy. Replacing a car's drive shaft can be somewhat challenging if you've never tackled it before and are easily intimidated. Once you realize there are just a few steps in the process, you may be able to replace your car's drive shaft in your own driveway.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 7/16 inch wrench or socket
• Crowbar
• Car ramps or jackstands

1. Support the car on ramps or jackstands for easy access to the bottom of the car. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for either device. Put the car in neutral.

2. Locate the rear yoke and mark the end of the drive shaft at the yoke to ensure that the new drive shaft goes in in the same position as the old one when it came out. Set the emergency brake or for a manual car put it in gear so the drive shaft does not turn while unbolting.

3. Remove the bolts from the rear yoke. If need be, remove one, go release the emergency brake, turn the drive shaft to remove another, and repeat until all four are removed. Use a crowbar, if needed, to pry the drive shaft from the yoke.

4. Disconnect the drive shaft from the transmission. Pull the rear part of the drive shaft towards the rear of the car to remove it, being careful not to damage the seals.

5. Install the new drive shaft by following the steps above in reverse order. Note: when connecting the shaft to the transmission, it only fits in one way, so rotate the drive shaft until it slips into place.

Tips & Warnings

• If a drive shaft is not installed correctly, it will cause vibration.

Resources

• Find a driveshaft for your car at car-stuff.com.

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