Shaft, Final Drive and Axles inspection, repair & replacement
Drive shafts, final drive and axles are some of the most crucial components of a vehicle’s drivetrain system. They work in harmony to transfer the power from the engine to the wheels - thus allowing the vehicle to move. Along with ensuring smooth power transmission and delivery, a functioning drivetrain system will also provide reliable vehicle handling.
The engine's power is transmitted to the wheels through the shafts, with the final drive increasing torque and reducing rotational speed. The axles transmit power from the differential to the wheels and also enable the suspension system to move up and down.
Early signs of issues with the drivetrain system are typically picked up during an annual service wherein the technician checks the transmission axles and wheels for signs of wear and tear.
Shaft, Final Drive and Axles services we offer
Wheel Bearing replacement
Wheel bearings are round steel parts within the wheel hub that allow wheels to rotate smoothly and are prone to damage by wear and tear and exposure to moisture and debris. Wheel bearing replacement involves the removal of the old bearings and replacement with new wheel bearing parts.
Drive Shaft repair
Drive shaft repair involves the inspection and repair/ replacement of the component that helps transfer power from the engine and transmission to the differential. This power is ultimately transmitted to the wheels which helps move the vehicle.
Differential Fluid replacement
During differential fluid replacement, the old fluid is drained, inspected and refilled with new manufacturer-recommended differential fluid. The differential fluid helps lubricate the many gears and bearings, a lack of which can increase friction and cause damage over time.
Some of the Shaft, Final Drive and Axles jobs we offer
- Camshaft chain cover & gasket replacement
- Camshaft oil seal replacement - front (SOHC)
- Camshaft oil seal replacement - rear (SOHC)
- Camshaft oil seals - front (DOHC)
- Camshaft oil seals - rear (DOHC)
- Differential box input seal replacement - rear axle
- Driveshaft CV joint replacement - front outer / driver side
- Driveshaft CV joint replacement - front outer / passenger side
- Driveshaft CV joint replacement - rear outer / driver side
- Driveshaft CV joint replacement - rear outer / passenger side
- Driveshaft joint gaiter replacement - rear / inner left
- Driveshaft joint gaiter replacement - rear / inner right
- Driveshaft joint gaiter replacement - rear / left (both)
- Driveshaft joint gaiter replacement - rear / outer left
- Driveshaft joint gaiter replacement - rear / outer right
- Driveshaft joint gaiter replacement - rear / right (both)
- Driveshaft replacement - front / driver side
- Driveshaft replacement - front / passenger side
- Driveshaft replacement - rear / driver side
- Driveshaft replacement - rear / passenger side
- Driveshaft seal replacement - front / inner left
- Driveshaft seal replacement - front / inner right
- Driveshaft seal replacement - rear / inner left
- Driveshaft seal replacement - rear / inner right
- Front driveshaft CV joint gaiter replacement - both left
- Front driveshaft CV joint gaiter replacement - both right
- Front driveshaft CV joint gaiter replacement - inner left
- Front driveshaft CV joint gaiter replacement - inner right
- Front driveshaft CV joint gaiter replacement - outer left
- Front driveshaft CV joint gaiter replacement - outer right
- Stub axle replacement (rear axle) - driver side
- Stub axle replacement (rear axle) - passenger side
- Wheel bearing replacement - front (driver side)
- Wheel bearing replacement - front (passenger side)
- Wheel bearing replacement - rear (driver side)
- Wheel bearing replacement - rear (passenger side)
Frequently asked questions about shaft, final drive and axles inspection, repair & replacements
Read our answers to questions about shaft, final drive and axles inspection, repair & replacement costs, symptoms and more.
What is a CV joint on a car?
A CV joint, or constant velocity, is a type of ball joint that is commonly used on the drive axles of cars. It connects the drive shafts of a car to the wheels and is generally found in front-wheel drive vehicles but can also be found in some cars with four-wheel drive.
How much does it cost to replace an axle?
You can expect the pay anywhere between £150 - £400 to replace an axle. The exact cost will depend on a number of factors including the make and model of the car as well as the local labour charges.
How long does it take to replace a rear axle?
Replacing a rear axle can take anywhere from 1 hour to 4 hours depending on the repairs needed, associated car parts needed and the make and model of the vehicle.
Can you drive with a broken rear axle?
No, you will not be able to drive with a broken rear axle and it is highly unsafe if you attempt to do so. The axles are what transfers the power from the transmission to the wheels.
What are signs of a bad axle?
Common signs of a bad axle may include:
- Clicking noise when turning
- Vibration while driving
- Feeling of looseness in steering wheel
- Rumbling noise from underside of the vehicle
How much does a Shaft, Final Drive and Axles inspection, repair & replacement cost?
Check out the ClickMechanic price for a shaft, final drive and axles inspection, repair & replacement. See the averages for different makes below. We consolidate industry standard data with millions of data points to give you the most accurate price.
| Name | Average Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Audi | £284 | Get exact price |
| BMW | £336 | Get exact price |
| Citroen | £278 | Get exact price |
| Ford | £246 | Get exact price |
| Land Rover | £309 | Get exact price |
| Mercedes-Benz | £343 | Get exact price |
| Nissan | £331 | Get exact price |
| Peugeot | £279 | Get exact price |
| Renault | £259 | Get exact price |
| Toyota | £325 | Get exact price |
| Vauxhall | £272 | Get exact price |
| Volkswagen | £249 | Get exact price |
Estimates on average repair costs, such as the above results for a shaft, final drive and axles inspection, repair & replacement, are based on ClickMechanic's quote data which combines multiple third-party sources. Actual costs may vary. We provide estimates on average repair costs for information only and accept no liability for any inaccuracies or errors. If you think an estimate is incorrect, please contact us to let us know.
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Mechanics that undertake shaft, final drive and axles work
- Alex Wheatley - Automotive Engineer, Fernhurst
- All In One Garage, Brighton
- All Terrain Autos, Cleveland
- Dwmechanics, Quedgeley
- Hinton Services Ltd, Trowbridge
- JACK S, Kilmarnock
- Kgtechnicians, Colchester
- MV Vehicle Services, Peterborough
- Magna, Norwich
- Vulcan Motors LTD, Sandhurst
- Xtreme Tyres And Auto Care LTD, Worthing