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Most drivers won’t give much thought to the driveshaft—until something starts knocking, shaking or clicking. But it’s a key bit of the car that links the gearbox to the wheels. If it’s not working right, you’ll know about it soon enough. Volkswagens, whether it’s a Golf, Passat or Tiguan, all rely on a driveshaft system that’s built to last, but still wears out over time.
Here’s what you need to know about what it does, the common faults, and how to keep it working properly.
What Is a Driveshaft?
The driveshaft is a long, round bit of metal—usually steel or alloy—that spins and sends power from the gearbox to the wheels. Its job is to transfer torque so the car can move. Not all VWs are set up the same though.
- FWD models don’t use a long driveshaft. They’ve got CV axles that run straight to the front wheels.
- AWD models (like those with 4MOTION) need a longer shaft to push power to the rear wheels as well.
- RWD models aren’t common in Volkswagens, but if you’ve got one, it’ll be similar to AWD—shaft running down the centre to the back.
The system’s a bit more complicated in all-wheel drives, where power shifts from front to back depending on grip. That’s where the driveshaft really earns its keep.
What Parts Make It Up?
A VW driveshaft isn’t just one solid piece. There are a few components that work together to make sure it spins without causing a racket:
- CV joints – These help the shaft bend and turn without losing rotation speed. You’ll find them in all front and all-wheel drive cars.
- U-joints – Not used in every model, but common in older VWs or ones with rear-wheel drive.
- Carrier bearings – If the shaft’s long, like in AWD models, there’s a support bearing in the middle to stop it flexing or shaking.
- Rubber couplings (also called flex discs) – These sit at the ends and cut down on vibration, while handling small alignment shifts.
- The shaft itself – Usually just called the tube. This is the bit that spins and sends the power through.
All of it needs to stay balanced, oiled and properly fixed in place. If one bit fails, others tend to follow.
What Goes Wrong?
Like anything under the car, driveshafts wear out. Some of it comes down to age, but hard driving, potholes and general wear all take a toll.
Torn CV Boots or Worn Joints
The rubber boot around each joint stops grit and water getting in. Once it splits, muck gets inside, and the joint starts clicking or grinding—especially when turning. Left too long, it’ll collapse.
Vibration from a Bent or Unbalanced Shaft
If the car shakes as you speed up, the shaft might be bent or out of balance. You usually get this after hitting a kerb or something solid under the car.
Carrier Bearing Problems
In longer shafts, the centre bearing can give out. When it does, you’ll hear knocking from underneath, especially when pulling off or slowing down.
Cracked or Perished Flex Discs
Rubber couplings go hard or start cracking over time, mainly from heat or engine movement. When they go, you’ll feel more vibration in the car, sometimes even a thump on gear change.
Shaft Misalignment
Not all faults come from wear. If the shaft’s been fitted badly after a repair—or the car’s been in a knock—it might not sit straight. That puts strain on the gearbox and diff.
Signs the Driveshaft’s on Its Way Out
There’s a few obvious clues when the shaft or joints start to go:
- Vibration through the floor or pedals
- Clunking when you change gear or pull away
- Clicking when turning (mostly from CV joints)
- Jerky or hesitant acceleration
- Grease spat out near the CV boots or wheel area
- Squeaking or tapping sounds at slow speeds
Once these show up, they won’t fix themselves. Best to get it checked before it does any other damage.
How Mechanics Check It
If you take the car in, a proper inspection might include:
- Checking CV boots for splits or leaks
- Seeing how much play is in the joints or shaft
- Listening during a road test for knocks or shakes
- Looking under the car for bent shafts or missing bolts
- Spinning the wheels while the car’s on a ramp to check for noise or stiffness
Most of the time, the problem’s easy to spot once it’s up in the air.
Keeping It in Good Nick
You can’t exactly service a driveshaft like an engine, but there’s a few things that help it last:
- Keep an eye on the CV boots. If they’re torn or greasy, get them swapped before the joint gives out.
- Listen for odd noises. Knocks, clicks or squeaks usually mean something’s loose or worn.
- Don’t drive it like you stole it. Hard launches and heavy loads wear out the joints faster.
- Sort your suspension. Worn shocks and bushes change the angle of the shaft, making it wear unevenly.
- Don’t ignore small issues. Replacing a bearing or coupling early can stop a full shaft replacement later on.
When Should You Replace It?
A driveshaft in a Volkswagen will usually last over 100,000 miles, maybe more. But if it’s bent, out of balance, or the joints are shot, you’re better off replacing it. If the car’s been lowered or used off-road, expect it to wear faster.
Genuine VW parts are ideal, but some aftermarket options are fine—just don’t go for the cheapest. Poor quality shafts can cause more trouble than they’re worth.
