Driveshaft Inspection and Service Costs
Basic Visual Inspection
Cost: $62.50 (30 minutes labor)
Includes visual check for obvious damage, wear patterns, and loose components. Basic inspection of u-joints, center support bearings, and slip yoke.
Comprehensive Inspection
Cost: $125 (1 hour labor)
Includes basic visual inspection plus detailed examination of:
- U-joint movement and wear
- Center support bearing condition
- Slip yoke splines
- Driveshaft runout measurement
- Balance check
Removal and Detailed Inspection
Cost: $187.50 (1.5 hours labor)
Includes removal of driveshaft for thorough inspection of:
- All components disassembled and checked
- Precise measurements of wear
- Detailed bearing analysis
- Spline wear measurement
- Tube straightness check
Note: These prices reflect inspection costs only. Additional repairs or replacement parts will be quoted separately based on findings.
Common Additional Services:
- U-joint replacement: $125-187.50 (1-1.5 hours labor plus parts)
- Center support bearing replacement: $187.50 (1.5 hours labor plus parts)
- Driveshaft balancing: $125 (1 hour labor)
- Complete driveshaft rebuild: $250-375 (2-3 hours labor plus parts)
*Labor rate calculated at $125/hour. Prices may vary based on vehicle make/model and condition. Additional parts costs not included in labor estimates.
Common Driveshaft Inspection Procedures and Repairs
Universal Joint Inspection
Repair Steps:
- Lift vehicle and secure on jack stands
- Rotate driveshaft to check for movement and binding
- Remove U-joint caps and inspect bearings
- Press out old U-joint using specialized tools
- Clean yoke area thoroughly
- Press in new U-joint assembly
- Install new retaining clips
- Grease new U-joint
- Test for smooth operation
Center Support Bearing Inspection
Repair Steps:
- Support driveshaft properly
- Remove center support bearing bolts
- Inspect rubber insulator for deterioration
- Check bearing for roughness or play
- Replace entire bearing assembly if needed
- Install new mounting hardware
- Verify proper alignment
- Test for vibration-free operation
Slip Yoke Inspection
Repair Steps:
- Mark driveshaft orientation for reassembly
- Remove driveshaft from vehicle
- Clean and inspect splines for wear
- Check seals and bushings
- Replace slip yoke if excessive wear is found
- Apply new lubricant to splines
- Reinstall driveshaft maintaining proper orientation
- Torque all fasteners to specification
Balance Check
Repair Steps:
- Remove driveshaft assembly
- Clean thoroughly
- Mount on balancing machine
- Check runout measurements
- Add or adjust balance weights as needed
- Verify balance at operating speeds
- Reinstall driveshaft
- Road test to confirm proper operation
Note: All repairs should be performed by qualified technicians using proper tools and equipment. Specifications may vary by vehicle make and model.
Safety Warning:Never work under a vehicle without proper support equipment. Always follow manufacturer guidelines and safety procedures.
Types of Driveshaft Inspections
Visual Inspection
What it is:A thorough visual examination of the entire driveshaft assembly and its components.
What it does:Identifies visible signs of wear, damage, or deterioration including:
- Rust or corrosion
- Bent or damaged shaft tubes
- Loose or missing hardware
- Worn or damaged universal joints
- Cracked or damaged yokes
U-Joint Inspection
What it is:A specific examination of the universal joints that connect the driveshaft components.
What it does:Checks for:
- Bearing cup movement
- Cross and bearing wear
- Proper lubrication
- Seal condition
Slip Spline Inspection
What it is:An examination of the slip spline joint that allows for driveshaft length changes during vehicle operation.
What it does:Evaluates:
- Spline wear patterns
- Lubrication condition
- Freedom of movement
- Seal integrity
Balance Check
What it is:A dynamic test that measures the driveshaft's rotational balance.
What it does:Determines if:
- The shaft is properly balanced
- There are any bent components
- Vibration issues are present
- Balance weights are secure
Phasing Inspection
What it is:An assessment of the alignment between driveshaft components.
What it does:Verifies:
- Proper yoke alignment
- Correct assembly orientation
- Joint timing
- Operating angles
Center Support Bearing Inspection
What it is:An examination of the center support bearing (if equipped) that supports two-piece driveshafts.
What it does:Checks for:
- Bearing wear
- Rubber insulator condition
- Proper mounting
- Alignment
Regular driveshaft inspections are crucial for maintaining vehicle safety and performance. Our certified technicians perform comprehensive inspections to identify potential issues before they lead to costly repairs or dangerous failures.
Common Driveshaft Failure Symptoms: Warning Signs to Watch For
Driveshaft Inspection Guide
Visual Inspection
Signs of Failure:
- Visible cracks or dents in the shaft
- Rust or corrosion, especially around joints
- Bent or misaligned shaft
- Missing or damaged balance weights
Service Schedule: Visual inspection recommended every 30,000 miles or during routine maintenance.
U-Joint Inspection
Signs of Failure:
- Clicking or knocking sounds when shifting gears
- Excessive play in the joint
- Rust or lack of lubrication
- Worn seals with grease leakage
Service Schedule: U-joints should be lubricated every 15,000-30,000 miles, depending on usage conditions.
Center Support Bearing
Signs of Failure:
- Vibration at highway speeds
- Rubber deterioration
- Unusual noises when accelerating
- Excessive movement in the bearing
Service Schedule: Inspect every 60,000 miles or when vibration occurs.
Slip Joint Inspection
Signs of Failure:
- Difficulty in transmission engagement
- Binding during suspension movement
- Dried out or contaminated splines
- Excessive wear on spline teeth
Service Schedule: Lubricate every 30,000 miles or annually in severe conditions.
Balance Check
Signs of Failure:
- Vehicle vibration at specific speeds
- Missing balance weights
- Uneven wear patterns
- Wobbling motion visible during rotation
Service Schedule: Check balance when installing new tires or if vibration occurs.
Note: These service intervals are general guidelines. Consult your vehicle's manual for specific maintenance schedules, as they may vary by make and model.
How It Works
- Get a quote online or set-up a time to have your vehicle looked at.
- Pick time slots that work for you, easily, online.
- We will confirm appointments and send reminders.
- Our mechanics bring everything that is needed to you.
- All you have to do is provided a safe area for the work to be performed.
What we need from you
- A safe place to work on your vehicle
- No working on the side of busy roads
- No working on unstable or steep surfaces.
- We do not perform repairs during severe weather.
- Authorization from a property owner or management.
- Repair work done in a parking lot or at your requires permission.
- We do not do repairs in areas restricted by law.
Common Questions
Service Area
Our primary service area is greater Grand Rapids and includes Comstock Park, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Walker, and Wyoming
Our secondary service area is provided by our Belding location and includes: Belding, Greenville, Ionia and the sorrounding areas.
Contact us if you have any questions about where we provide services.
