Automotive Drive Shafts Online

The drive shaft -- also known as a drivetrain -- in your car, SUV, van, or pickup is responsible for converting the mechanical power, rotation, and torque of the engine into the motion that propels you down the road.

The Types of Drive Shafts

Generally, vehicles have one of four types of drivetrains: front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, or four-wheel drive. Front-wheel drive is the most common. In this setup all parts are located at the front of the vehicle, with constant velocity (CV) joints connecting the drive shaft to a differential.

Rear-wheel drive connects the drivetrain to the transmission and differential with universal joints, also known as U-joints.

All-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are similar to each other, since every wheel is involved in your vehicle's movement. Both feature two drive shafts in their operation: one up front, and one in the rear. U-joints connect the front shaft to the differential and a transfer case, while the rear shaft mirrors that of a rear-wheel drive.

How to Spot Faulty Drive Shafts

Unfortunately, even the best drive shaft parts can go bad over time. That's not good, since it affects your handling. Signs of failure include:

• Difficulty making turns
• You hear loud noises when changing gears
• Your vehicle shudders when you accelerate
• A vibrating underbody
• You hear clicking or knocking noises from underneath your vehicle

Buy Genuine OEM Drive Shafts Online and Save Up to 35%!

You don't want to take chances and drive with a damaged drivetrain. Replacing yours at the first sign of trouble ensures consistent handling. Your manufacturer makes the only drive shaft components that are guaranteed to be compatible with your model, and we sell them at deep discounts to MSRP. Buy today and we'll get your order shipped right out!