Drive shafts
More informationAt Global Parts, we offer a wide selection of original used car parts, including drive shafts for many popular car brands such as BMW, Mini, Mercedes, Audi, Volkswagen, and others. Each drive shaft we offer undergoes quality control to ensure you receive a top-quality product.
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Make
Category
Subcategory
Differentials and parts
Condition
In Stock
Price
-15%
Part no. 8K0407271AJ
Audi RS4 B8 4.2 FSI CFSA Front Driveshaft Left Right N/O/S Manual 8K0407271AJ
Promo price
£32.95
£28.01
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 8K0407271AK
Audi A5 8T 3.0 TDI Driveshaft Front Left Right N/O/S 8K0407271AK
Promo price
£37.95
£32.26
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 8R0501203C
Audi Q5 8R Axle Driveshaft Rear Left N/S Drive Shaft 8R0501203C
Promo price
£23.95
£14.37
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 8E0407272AT
Audi A4 B7 2.0 TDI BRE Diesel Engine Front Axle Driveshaft Right O/S 8E0407272AT
Promo price
£32.95
£28.01
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 8W0407271F
Audi A5 F5 2.0 TDI DEZE Front Axle Drive Shaft Left Right N/O/S 8W0407271F
Promo price
£104.95
£89.21
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 8E0407271AT
Audi A4 B7 2.0 TDI BRE Diesel Engine Front Axle Driveshaft Left N/S 8E0407271AT
Promo price
£42.95
£36.51
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-5%
Part no. 5Q0407721
Audi A3 8V Heat Shield Front Right O/S Drive Shaft Panel Cover 5Q0407721
Promo price
£13.95
£13.25
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 5Q0407271AP
Audi S3 8V Front Axle Drive Shaft Left N/S 2.0 TFSI Quattro 5Q0407271AP
Promo price
£42.95
£25.77
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
Part no. 5Q0407271CQ
Audi VW Seat Skoda Drive Shaft Front Left N/S Driveshaft 5Q0407271CQ
£94.95
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 5Q0407272BL
Audi A3 S3 8V Driveshaft Front Right O/S Side Drive Shaft 5Q0407272BL
Promo price
£94.95
£56.97
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 4F0407271J
Drive Shaft Audi A6 C6 Front Left N/S Driveshaft Shaft 4F0407271J
Promo price
£23.95
£14.37
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 1K0501203F
Audi Q3 8U Quattro Drive Shaft Rear Left N/S Driveshaft Diesel 1K0501203F
Promo price
£28.95
£17.37
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 5Q0407272E
Audi A3 8V 2.0 TDI CRLB Diesel Front Axle Drive Shaft Right O/S 5Q0407272E
Promo price
£42.95
£36.51
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 8K0407271P
Audi A5 8T Driveshaft Front Left Right N/O/S Drive Shaft 8K0407271P
Promo price
£28.95
£24.61
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 8K0501203J
Drive Shaft Audi A4 B8 A5 8T Rear Axle Driveshaft Left Right N/O/S 8K0501203J
Promo price
£18.95
£16.11
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 8K0501203N
Audi A5 S5 8T 3.0 Rear Axle Driveshaft Left Right N/O/S Drive Shaft 8K0501203N
Promo price
£18.95
£16.11
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 8J0407271N
Audi TT 8J Front Axle Drive Shaft Left N/S Manual Transmission 8J0407271N
Promo price
£37.95
£32.26
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 1K0501204D
Audi TT 8J A3 8P Q3 8U Drive Shaft Rear Right O/S Driveshaft 1K0501204D
Promo price
£23.95
£14.37
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 1K0501203D
Audi TT 8J A3 8P Q3 8U Drive Shaft Driveshaft Rear Left N/S 1K0501203D
Promo price
£18.95
£16.11
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 4F0407272J
Audi A6 C6 Driveshaft Front Right O/S Side Drive Shaft 4F0407272J
Promo price
£23.95
£14.37
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 7L0407271F
Audi Q7 4L Front Axle Driveshaft Left Right N/O/S Drive Shaft 7L0407271F
Promo price
£28.95
£17.37
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 5Q0407272ER
Audi A3 8P Volkswagen Passat B6 B7 Front Axle Driveshaft Right O/S 5Q0407272ER
Promo price
£61.95
£37.17
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 5Q0407272C
Drive Shaft Audi A3 8V VW Golf Mk7 1.4 TFSI Front Axle Right O/S 5Q0407272C
Promo price
£47.95
£28.77
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 5Q0501203A-1
Audi S3 8V 2.0 TFSI DJHA Rear Axle Drive Shaft Left N/S 5Q0501203A
Promo price
£28.95
£17.37
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 1K0407272GM
Audi A3 8P Seat Leon Mk2 Driveshaft Front Right O/S Side Drive Shaft 1K0407272GM
Promo price
£23.95
£14.37
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 5Q0407271H
Audi A3 8V 2.0 TDI CRLB Diesel Front Axle Drive Shaft Left N/S 5Q0407271H
Promo price
£51.95
£31.17
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 5QF407271K
Audi Q3 F3 VW Volkswagen Tiguan Mk2 Driveshaft Front Left N/S 5QF407272N
Promo price
£161.95
£137.66
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 1K0407272RL
Audi A3 8P VW Golf Mk6 Skoda Octavia Mk2 Fron Driveshaft Right O/S 1K0407272RL
Promo price
£47.95
£40.76
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 8W0501203E
Audi S4 B9 Rear Drive Shaft Left Right N/O/S 3.0 TFSI CWGD 8W0501203E
Promo price
£28.95
£17.37
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 1K0501204F
Audi Q3 8U Quattro Drive Shaft Rear Right O/S Driveshaft Diesel 1K0501204F
Promo price
£28.95
£17.37
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
Part no. 1K0407271DJ
Audi A3 8P Petrol Front Axle Driveshaft Left N/S 1K0407271DJ
£18.95
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 7L8501201B
Audi Q7 4L Driveshaft Rear Axle Left Right N/O/S Drive Shaft 7L8501201B
Promo price
£23.95
£14.37
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 5WA501204A
Audi S3 8Y Driveshaft Rear Axle Right O/S Drive Shaft 5WA501204A
Promo price
£104.95
£62.97
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 5WA501203A
Audi S3 8Y Driveshaft Rear Axle Left N/S Drive Shaft 5WA501203A
Promo price
£184.95
£110.97
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 1K0407271LB
Drive Shaft Audi A3 8V 1.6 TDI Front Left N/S Driveshaft Shaft 1K0407271LB
Promo price
£28.95
£17.37
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-5%
Part no. 8E0407719A
Audi A6 C6 Heat Shield Drive Shaft Trim Panel Cover Left N/S 8E0407719A
Promo price
£13.95
£13.25
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 4F0407272G
Audi A6 C6 2.0 TDI CAHA Driveshaft Front Right O/S Manual Gearbox 4F0407272G
Promo price
£37.95
£22.77
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 5Q0501204A
Audi A3 S3 8V 2.0 TFSI Quattro Axle Driveshaft Rear Right O/S 5Q0501204A
Promo price
£66.95
£40.17
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 5Q0407271CR
Audi A3 8V 1.4 TFSI Front Axle Drive Shaft Left N/S Automatic 5Q0407271CR
Promo price
£94.95
£56.97
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 8J0407762J
Audi TT 8J Front Axle Driveshaft Right O/S Drive Shaft 8J0407762J
Promo price
£75.95
£45.57
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 8E0407271BE
Audi A4 B7 2.0 TFSI Engine Front Axle Driveshaft Left Right N/O/S 8E0407271BE
Promo price
£28.95
£17.37
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 5Q0501203C
Audi TT FV Quattro Drive Shaft Rear Axle Left N/S Driveshaft 5Q0501203C
Promo price
£28.95
£17.37
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 8J0407272G
Audi TT 8J Front Axle Driveshaft Right O/S 1.8 TFSI Petrol Manual 8J0407272G
Promo price
£56.95
£48.41
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 5Q0501204C
Audi Q2 GA 2.0 TDI Quattro Rear Axle Driveshaft Right O/S 5Q0501204C
Promo price
£23.95
£14.37
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 83A501203B
Audi RSQ3 F3 Rear Axle Drive Shaft Left N/S 2.5 TFSI Petrol DNWA 83A501203B
Promo price
£161.95
£97.17
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 83A501204B
Audi RSQ3 F3 Rear Axle Drive Shaft Right O/S 2.5 TFSI Petrol DNWA 83A501204B
Promo price
£161.95
£97.17
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
Part no. 1K0407271HT
Audi A3 8P Front Axle Driveshaft Front Left N/S 1.4 TFSI CAXC FWD 1K0407271HT
£37.95
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
Part no. 4E0407720
Audi A8 D3 Front Heat Shield Drive Shaft Panel Cover Guard Right 4E0407720
£13.95
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
Part no. 1K0407272QE
Volkswagen Passat B6 Driveshaft Front Right O/S 2.0 Diesel Manual 1K0407272QE
£23.95
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 4K0501204B
Audi A6 C8 Rear Axle Drive Shaft Right O/S 4K0501204B
Promo price
£32.95
£19.77
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 8K0501203M
Audi A5 8T Axle Driveshaft Rear Left Right N/O/S Drive Shaft 8K0501203M
Promo price
£23.95
£14.37
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 8K0501203C
Audi A5 8T Rear Axle Drive Shaft Left Right N/O/S 8K0501203C
Promo price
£18.95
£16.11
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
Part no. 3Q0407271AT
Audi TT FV Driveshaft Drive Shaft Front Left N/S 2.0 TFSI 3Q0407271AT
£218.95
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 4K0501203A
Audi A6 C8 A7 C8 Rear Axle Drive Shaft Left N/S 4K0501203A
Promo price
£118.95
£71.37
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 1K0407271AT
Audi A3 S3 8P A3 Sport Driveshaft Front Left N/S 1.9 TDI Diesel 1K0407271AT
Promo price
£28.95
£17.37
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
Part no. 5Q0407272CG
VW Volkswagen Golf Mk7 Drive Shaft Front Axle Right O/S 2.0 TFSI 5Q0407272CG
£56.95
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
Part no. 4F0501203B
Audi A6 C6 Driveshaft Rear Shaft Right Left N/O/S 3.0 TDI Diesel 4F0501203B
£23.95
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 4E0407271N
Audi A8 S8 D3 Front Axle Driveshaft Left N/S Drive Shaft 4E0407271N
Promo price
£23.95
£14.37
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 8K0501201
Audi RS4 B8 Drive Shaft Rear Axle Left N/S Driveshaft 8K0501201
Promo price
£47.95
£28.77
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 1J0407272CT
Audi TT 8N 1.8 T AUQ Petrol Front Axle Drive Shaft Right O/S Manual 1J0407272CT
Promo price
£28.95
£17.37
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 8K0501202
Audi RS4 B8 Drive Shaft Rear Axle Right O/S Driveshaft 8K0501202
Promo price
£47.95
£28.77
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 8J0407272H
Audi TT 8J Axle Drive Shaft Manual Transmission Front Right O/S 8J0407272H
Promo price
£61.95
£37.17
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 4F0407271N
Audi A6 C6 2.0 TDI Front Axle Left N/S Drive Shaft 4F0407271N
Promo price
£32.95
£19.77
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 4K0501204
Audi A6 C8 Rear Axle Drive Shaft Right O/S 4K0501204
Promo price
£28.95
£17.37
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
Part no. 5N0407763
VW Volkswagen Tiguan 5N Driveshaft Drive Shaft Front Left N/S 5N0407763
£32.95
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 3Q0501203B
Audi Q3 F3 Quattro Rear Axle Driveshaft Drive Shaft Left N/S 3Q0501203B
Promo price
£28.95
£17.37
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
Part no. 3Q0407720C
Audi S3 8Y Driveshaft Heat Shield Protection Plate Panel Right O/S 3Q0407720C
£23.95
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
Part no. 1K0407272NE
Audi S3 8P Q3 8U Volkswagen Golf 5K Front Axle Driveshaft Right O/S 1K0407272NE
£37.95
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 8K0501203K
Audi A4 B8 Driveshaft Rear Axle Right O/S Drive Shaft 8K0501203K
Promo price
£18.95
£16.11
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 420501203
Audi R8 Driveshaft Output Shaft Rear Right O/S 420501203
Promo price
£118.95
£71.37
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
Part no. 8W0501203F
Audi A4 B9 A5 F5 Driveshaft Drive Shaft Rear Left N/S 8W0501203F
£66.95
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
Part no. 8W0501204F
Audi A4 B9 A5 F5 Driveshaft Drive Shaft Rear Right O/S 8W0501204F
£66.95
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 1K0407272LF
Audi A3 8P Front Axle Drive Shaft Driveshaft Right O/S 1K0407272LF
Promo price
£37.95
£22.77
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 0B6409355A
Audi A6 C7 A7 4G Front Axle Drive Shaft Left N/S Quattro Automatic 0B6409355A
Promo price
£94.95
£80.71
Free delivery: Jul 22 – 29
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 420501204-1
Audi R8 Driveshaft Output Shaft Rear Right O/S 420501204
Promo price
£165.95
£99.57
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 7L8501201A
Audi Q7 4L Driveshaft Rear Axle Left Right N/O/S Drive Shaft 7L8501201A
Promo price
£23.95
£14.37
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
Part no. 02Q409344B
Audi A3 8P Golf Mk5 Differential Flanged Shaft Right O/S Manual 02Q409344B
£113.95
Free delivery: Jul 22 – 29
If paid before 14:00
Part no. 0AA409271C
Audi Q7 4L Differential Shaft Left N/S Flanged Shaft 4.2 TDI Quattro 0AA409271C
£142.95
Free delivery: Jul 22 – 29
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 4E0501203D
Audi S8 D3 A8 4E Quattro Driveshaft Rear Right Left N/O/S Shaft 4E0501203D
Promo price
£23.95
£14.37
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 1K0407272CR
Audi A3 8P VW Passat B6 Driveshaft Front Right O/S Side Drive Shaft 1K0407272CR
Promo price
£32.95
£19.77
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
Part no. 4F0407720J
Audi A6 C6 Driveshaft Heat Shield Cover Panel Front Right O/S 4F0407720J
£13.95
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 1K0501204G
Audi TT 8J Quattro Skoda Yeti 4wd 2.0 TDI Driveshaft Rear Right O/S 1K0501204G
Promo price
£32.95
£19.77
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
Part no. 8J0407762B
Audi TT 8J Front Axle Drive Shaft Driveshaft Right O/S 8J0407762B
£47.95
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-5%
Part no. 8K0407722
Audi RS6 C7 Driveshaft Cover Shield Front Right O/S 8K0407722
Promo price
£13.95
£13.25
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 8K0501203L
Audi S5 8T 4.2 FSI CAUA Rear Axle Driveshaft Left N/S Passenger Side 8K0501203L
Promo price
£23.95
£14.37
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 8K0501204L
Audi S5 8T 4.2 FSI Driveshaft Rear Axle Right O/S Drive Shaft 8K0501204L
Promo price
£23.95
£14.37
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 80A501204F
Audi SQ5 FY 3.0 TFSI CWGD Rear Axle Drive Shaft Right O/S 80A501204F
Promo price
£42.95
£25.77
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
Part no. 8W0407720A
Audi A5 F5 Heat Shield Drive Shaft Panel Cover Front Right O/S 8W0407720A
£13.95
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
Part no. 8W0501203K
Audi A5 F5 Rear Drive Shaft Left N/S 8W0501203K
£56.95
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
Part no. 4H0301325A
Audi A5 8T Propshaft Heat Shield Cover Insulation Guard Plate Panel 4H0301325A
£13.95
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
Part no. 8W0501204J
Audi A5 F5 Rear Drive Shaft Right O/S 8W0501204J
£118.95
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 80A501204C
Audi Q5 FY Drive Shaft Rear Right O/S Shaft 2.0 TFSI Petrol Engine 80A501204C
Promo price
£56.95
£34.17
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
Part no. 4M0501203D
Audi Q7 4M 3.0 TDI Quattro Rear Axle Driveshaft Left Right N/O/S 4M0501203D
£47.95
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 80A501203G
Audi Q5 FY 2.0 TFSI DAXB Petrol Engine Rear Driveshaft Left N/S 80A501203G
Promo price
£56.95
£34.17
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 80A501204G
Audi Q5 FY Rear Axle Driveshaft Drive Shaft Right O/S 40 TDI 80A501204G
Promo price
£85.95
£51.57
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 80A501203E
Audi SQ5 FY Rear Engine Driveshaft Drive Shaft Left Right N/O/S 80A501203E
Promo price
£47.95
£28.77
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 80A501203G-1
Audi Q5 FY 2.0 TFSI DAXB Petrol Engine Rear Driveshaft Left N/S 80A501203G
Promo price
£56.95
£34.17
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 80A501204C-1
Audi Q5 FY 2.0 TFSI DAXB Petrol Engine Rear Driveshaft Right O/S 80A501204C
Promo price
£56.95
£34.17
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 6R00407761B
Audi A1 8X Driveshaft Shaft Front Left N/S 6R00407761B
Promo price
£28.95
£17.37
Free delivery: Jul 21
If paid before 14:00
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Drive shafts – structure and function in the vehicle drivetrain
The importance and principle of operation of drive shafts in power transmission
Drive shafts are fundamental components of the drivetrain responsible for transferring torque from the engine or transmission to the vehicle's wheels. Their reliability and precision are crucial for smooth driving, safety, and the durability of the entire drivetrain. In the Global Parts automotive store, you will find a wide selection of used car parts, including drive shafts, compatible with brands such as BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Mini, and others.
What is the role of drive shafts?
Drive shafts are an essential link in the drivetrain and perform several key functions:
- Torque transfer – They are responsible for transferring energy from the engine or transmission to the vehicle's axles.
- Vibration damping – Thanks to joints and flexible connections, drive shafts minimize vibrations, which improves driving comfort.
- Flexibility – Joints and shafts allow for power transmission across various planes, adapting to the movement of the suspension and steering system. Drive shafts are made of durable materials, such as hardened steel, which ensures their longevity under extreme conditions.
Construction and purpose of drive shafts
Drive shafts are components that connect the transmission, transfer case, or differential to the rest of the drivetrain. A typical shaft consists of a tube or several segments, joints, flanges, a center support, and mounting points. Their task is to stably transfer torque despite suspension movement and changes in the angle of the components. In practice, selection involves length, number of parts, type of connections, and compatibility with the drivetrain version. A drive shaft usually consists of steel tubes with a diameter of 50 to 100 mm, universal joints or constant velocity (CV) joints, bearing supports, and mounting elements. In vehicles such as BMW E60 530d, BMW X3 E83, or Mercedes Vito 639, multi-element shafts are also used, allowing for power transmission over long distances between the transmission and the drive axle. In commercial vehicles, such as VW LT 35, shafts can reach lengths of over 2 meters, which requires precise balancing.
Comparison of drive shaft variants
| Variant | Construction | Application | What to check before purchase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-piece | One tube section, joints, and flanges | Short distance between drivetrain units | Total length, connection type, joint condition |
| Two-piece | Two segments and an intermediate support | Many passenger cars and SUVs with longer drivetrains | Support position, mounting compatibility, OEM number |
| Multi-piece | Several sections, more support points and connections | Commercial vehicles and long-wheelbase versions | Number of segments, flange layout, body and drivetrain version |
Why is it worth taking care of drive shafts?
Damage or wear of drive shafts can lead to serious problems, such as:
- Noise and vibration – These may indicate worn joints or improper shaft balancing.
- Drivetrain issues – These can result in a loss of driving smoothness or even drivetrain failure.
- Reduced lifespan of other components – Such as drive axles, gears, or suspension. At Global Parts, we offer used car parts that have been thoroughly checked for quality and durability. It is worth knowing that the intensity of vibrations can often be linked to rotational speed. For example:
- in the 40–60 km/h range, vibrations may indicate worn joints,
- at 80–120 km/h, they most often relate to shaft imbalance. Such data helps to diagnose problems more accurately and select the right replacement faster.
Cooperating elements and typical signs of wear
The shaft support is an intermediate element that stabilizes a longer drive shaft and limits its vibrations during operation. It works with joints, flanges, the drive axle, and components from the differentials and parts group. Signs of wear do not always result from the shaft tube itself, so it is worth assessing the play in the connections, the condition of the rubber support bushing, and compatibility with Cardan joints and parts. In the case of parts such as an E46 half-shaft, it is worth separating the diagnosis of the half-shaft from that of the drive shaft, as both elements work in the same system but have different mounting points and different signs of wear. When selecting, compare the OEM number, mounting side, and transmission type.
How to choose the right drive shaft?
When choosing a drive shaft, pay attention to several key factors:
- Compatibility with the vehicle model – Every drivetrain has its specific requirements. At Global Parts, you will find drive shafts perfectly matched to BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Mini, and others.
- Technical condition – Ensure the shaft is free from mechanical damage, such as cracks or corrosion, and that the joints operate smoothly.
- Balancing and length – Proper shaft balancing and dimensions are crucial for the correct operation of the drivetrain.
Selection by OEM number and car configuration
The OEM number is the factory part designation that allows you to compare structural compatibility with the vehicle's equipment. For drive shafts, not only the brand matters, but also the transmission type, fuel type, vehicle placement, and any interchangeable numbers. If you are looking for a component such as a Focus Mk2 half-shaft, you need to check this data separately, as half-shafts and drive shafts are selected according to different mounting points. It is also helpful to compare with the drive axles offer and the transmissions and drivetrains department.
Table of example lengths and shaft types for popular models
| Vehicle model | Shaft type | Number of elements | Approximate length |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW E60 530d | 2-piece shaft | 2 | approx. 1700–1800 mm |
| BMW X3 E83 | 2-piece shaft | 2 | approx. 1650 mm |
| Mercedes Vito 639 | 3-piece shaft | 3 | approx. 2200–2400 mm |
| VW LT 35 | 2–3 piece shaft | 2–3 | up to 2600 mm |
Why choose used drive shafts?
Used car parts, such as drive shafts, are a practical solution that allows for savings while maintaining high quality. By choosing used drive shafts, you gain:
- Lower costs – Used components are significantly cheaper than new ones but offer equally high quality.
- Ecology – Recycling car parts supports environmental protection and reduces waste.
- Wide offer – In our store, you will find drive shafts for the most popular car brands. Dismantled drive shafts often come from fleet or service vehicles where consumables were regularly replaced. As a result, many of them are in very good technical condition and dimensionally compatible with the original. This also applies to specialized models, such as the BMW E60 530d drive shaft, BMW X3 E83 drive shaft, Vito 639 drive shaft, or VW LT 35 drive shaft.
Supplementary materials for drivetrain selection
Shaft selection should be analyzed together with the axle ratio and the character of the entire drivetrain. A helpful expansion of the topic is the article Dismantled drive axles and differentials – how to choose ratios for your driving style, which organizes the relationships between the shaft, differential, and power transmission method. This is especially useful when comparing several versions of the same platform or completing a repair after replacing several drivetrain elements.
How to take care of a drive shaft?
To ensure your drive shaft works reliably for a long time, it is worth following a few rules:
- Regularly check the condition of joints and rubber boots to prevent wear.
- Monitor shaft balance, especially after replacing other drivetrain elements.
- Ensure proper joint lubrication according to the manufacturer's recommendations. If you need to replace a drive shaft, at Global Parts you will find suitable used car parts that will restore the vehicle's full functionality.
Inspection procedure description
Regular inspection usually includes:
- Assessing radial and axial play in the joints.
- Checking the stiffness of the shaft support and rubber bearing.
- Assessing the condition of universal joints and any leaks.
- Measuring balance on a specialized machine ("G16" standard for automotive shafts).
FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the construction and purpose of drive shafts? | Drive shafts are drivetrain components mounted between the transmission, transfer case, axle, or drive axle. A typical element consists of a tube or several segments, joints, flanges, a support, and mounts. Their design depends on the vehicle length, drivetrain type, and connection method with other components. |
| What are drive shafts used for? | Drive shafts are used to transfer torque between drivetrain units while maintaining smooth operation. In addition to power transmission, they compensate for suspension movement and minor changes in operating angles. Without a correctly selected shaft, vibrations, noise, and overloads of other drivetrain elements may occur. |
| What is the role of the shaft support? | The shaft support is an element that stabilizes the middle part of a longer drive shaft. It serves to maintain the correct position of the unit during rotation and limits the transmission of vibrations to the body. Its condition affects both operating smoothness and the durability of joints and mounts. |
| How to choose a drive shaft for a specific car version? | It is safest to compare the OEM part number, interchangeable numbers, transmission type, and vehicle placement. The body version, fuel type, and drivetrain configuration also matter. In cars of the same series, there may be different shaft lengths and different mounting flanges. |
| How to recognize signs of drive shaft imbalance or wear? | Most often, vibrations are felt during acceleration or within a specific speed range. Additional signals may include knocking during load changes, jerking, and noise from the center tunnel or the rear of the vehicle. It is then worth checking the support, joints, and bolted connections. |
| What elements should be checked before installing a drive shaft? | Before installation, assess the condition of joints, flanges, support, threads, and contact surfaces. You must also confirm the compatibility of mounting points and the absence of transport damage. After installation, it is important to correctly align the element according to the car's design and check that other drivetrain parts do not have excessive play. |
Summary: drive shafts at the Global Parts automotive store
Drive shafts are key drivetrain elements that affect driving smoothness, comfort, and safety. The Global Parts offer includes used parts for many drivetrain configurations, matched to brands such as Mercedes, Audi, BMW, and others. When choosing, it is worth comparing the OEM number, technical condition, transmission type, vehicle placement, and compatibility with the car version to select the right element without unnecessary modifications. We invite you to contact us – we are here to help! For more information and interesting facts, we also invite you to visit our automotive blog.