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.
GB
Make
Category
Subcategory
Differentials and parts
Condition
In Stock
Price

-40%
Part no. A2043504010
Mercedes W204 W207 Rear Driveshaft OM651 Axle Shaft Left Right N/O/S A2043504010
Promo price
£28.95
£17.37
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A6393501610
Mercedes Vito W639 Rear Axle Output Drive Shaft Manual Transmission A6393501610
Promo price
£23.95
£14.37
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

Part no. A2043501610
Mercedes W204 Output Drive Shaft C63 AMG Rear Left Right Axle Shaft A2043501610
£56.95
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-15%
Part no. A1773301002
Mercedes W177 AMG Drive Shaft Front Right O/S Axle Output Shaft A1773301002
Promo price
£379.95
£322.96
Free delivery: Jul 23 – 30
If paid before 14:00

-15%
Part no. A2034105706
Mercedes W203 C209 Kompressor Drive Prop Shaft Propshaft Automatic
Promo price
£56.95
£48.41
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A2053501809
Mercedes W205 Rear Axle Driveshaft Left Right N/O/S Drive Shaft A2053501809
Promo price
£56.95
£34.17
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A1773300902
Mercedes W177 AMG Drive Shaft Front Left N/S Axle Output Shaft A1773300902
Promo price
£341.95
£205.17
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-15%
Part no. A2113501656
Mercedes W211 OM642 Drive Output Shaft Rear Left Right N/O/S A2113501656
Promo price
£56.95
£48.41
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A6393502310
Mercedes Vito W639 Rear Axle Output Drive Shaft Manual Transmission A6393502310
Promo price
£66.95
£40.17
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A1713501210
Mercedes R171 Drive Shaft Rear Left Right Petrol Output Shaft A1713501210
Promo price
£37.95
£22.77
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A2463302900
Drive Shaft Mercedes W176 W246 Front Left N/S Axle Driveshaft A2463302900
Promo price
£37.95
£22.77
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A2033503056
Mercedes W203 Drive Output Shaft Rear Left Right N/O/S Axle Shaft A2033503056
Promo price
£32.95
£19.77
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

Part no. A1693607172
Mercedes A B Class W169 W245 Front Left N/S Axle Drive Half Shaft A1693607172
£37.95
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-15%
Part no. A1773309700
Drive Shaft Mercedes W177 W247 M282 Front Right O/S Axle Driveshaft A1773309700
Promo price
£227.95
£193.76
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A2043501810
Mercedes W204 Diesel OM646 Rear Left Right Axle Output Drive Shaft A2043501810
Promo price
£23.95
£14.37
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-15%
Part no. A1693704772
Mercedes W169 M266 OM640 Front Right O/S Axle Drive Shaft Automatic A1693704772
Promo price
£113.95
£96.86
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

Part no. A2463509500
Driveshaft Mercedes X117 4matic Rear Axle Left Output Shaft A2463509500
£85.95
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-15%
Part no. A1773300700
Driveshaft Mercedes W177 W247 Front Right O/S Side Shaft A1773300700
Promo price
£265.95
£226.06
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A2123501810
Mercedes W212 Drive Shaft Rear Axle Left Right N/O/S Output Shaft A2123501810
Promo price
£47.95
£28.77
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A2053504019
Mercedes W205 OM651 Drive Output Shaft Rear Left Right Axle Shaft A2053504019
Promo price
£56.95
£34.17
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A2113500556
Mercedes W211 OM646 Drive Shaft Rear Left Right Axle Shaft A2113500556
Promo price
£66.95
£40.17
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A4473305300
Mercedes Vito W447 OM622 Drive Shaft Front Left Axle Driveshaft A4473305300
Promo price
£94.95
£56.97
Free delivery: Jul 23 – 30
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A2463500710
Drive Shaft Mercedes W176 W246 Rear Right O/S Axle Driveshaft 4matic A2463500710
Promo price
£56.95
£34.17
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A2133505401
Rear Drive Shaft Mercedes W213 S213 Axle Left N/S Output Driveshaft A2133505401
Promo price
£123.95
£74.37
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A2213502010
Mercedes W212 Drive Shaft Rear Axle Left Right N/O/S Output Shaft A2213502010
Promo price
£47.95
£28.77
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-15%
Part no. A1773303501
Driveshaft Mercedes W177 W247 Front Left N/S Side Shaft A1773303501
Promo price
£264.95
£225.21
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A2463309500
Driveshaft Mercedes W242 W246 OM651 Front Axle Right Output Shaft A2463309500
Promo price
£56.95
£34.17
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-15%
Part no. A1723500010
Mercedes SLK R172 Petrol M271 Rear Axle Driveshaft Right Left A1723500010
Promo price
£66.95
£56.91
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A2033505410
Mercedes W203 Drive Shaft Rear Left Right N/O/S Petrol Output Shaft A2033505410
Promo price
£42.95
£25.77
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A2463309200
Drive Shaft Mercedes W176 W246 M270 Diesel Front Left N/S Axle A2463309200
Promo price
£66.95
£40.17
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-15%
Part no. A1773301801
Mercedes W177 W247 Automatic Transmission Driveshaft Front Left N/S A1773301801
Promo price
£151.95
£129.16
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A2043501710
Mercedes W204 Petrol M271 Rear Axle Drive Shaft Left Right N/O/S A2043501710
Promo price
£28.95
£17.37
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A2053503919
Mercedes W205 Drive Shaft Rear Axle Output Shaft OM651 Left N/S A2053503919
Promo price
£28.95
£17.37
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A2463500610
Drive Shaft Mercedes W176 W246 Rear Left N/S Axle Driveshaft 4matic A2463500610
Promo price
£75.95
£45.57
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-15%
Part no. A2313507400
Mercedes R231 Drive Shaft Rear Left Right N/O/S Output Shaft A2313507400
Promo price
£142.95
£121.51
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A2053502009
Mercedes W205 OM651 Diesel Rear Axle Driveshaft Right O/S A2053502009
Promo price
£66.95
£40.17
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A1723505400
Mercedes R172 OM651 Front Axle Driveshaft Left N/S Automatic A1723505400
Promo price
£23.95
£14.37
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A1723502302
Mercedes R172 OM651 Front Axle Driveshaft Right O/S Automatic A1723502302
Promo price
£23.95
£14.37
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A2033501610
Mercedes W203 Diesel Drive Shaft Rear Left Right N/O/S Output Shaft A2033501610
Promo price
£37.95
£22.77
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A2513500110
Mercedes V251 Drive Shaft Rear Axle Left N/S Driveshaft Transmission A2513500110
Promo price
£28.95
£17.37
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A2053500009
Mercedes S205 Rear Axle Drive Half Shaft Left N/S A2053500009
Promo price
£42.95
£25.77
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-15%
Part no. A1723501204
Mercedes R172 Rear Axle Driveshaft Left Right N/O/S M271 Petrol A1723501204
Promo price
£66.95
£56.91
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A2053503309
Mercedes W205 OM626 Diesel Rear Axle Driveshaft Right O/S A2053503309
Promo price
£151.95
£91.17
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A2063507000
Mercedes C200 W206 M254 Petrol Driveshaft Rear Left Right N/O/S A2063507000
Promo price
£203.95
£122.37
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A2133502411
Mercedes GLC X253 Axle Driveshaft Rear Right O/S Drive Shaft A2133502411
Promo price
£42.95
£25.77
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A2033505356
Mercedes W203 C209 Drive Output Shaft Rear Left Right Axle Shaft A2033505356
Promo price
£37.95
£22.77
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

Part no. A2463302000
Mercedes W176 W246 Automatic Gearbox Differential A2463302000 A2463708101
£123.95
Free delivery: Jul 23 – 30
If paid before 14:00

Part no. A2462603200
Mercedes W176 W246 Automatic Gearbox Drive Shaft A2462603200 A2463708101
£142.95
Free delivery: Jul 23 – 30
If paid before 14:00

Part no. A2462603000
Mercedes W176 W246 Automatic Gearbox Power Output Shaft A2462603000 A2463708101
£170.95
Free delivery: Jul 23 – 30
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A4473503501
Mercedes Vito W447 Rear Axle Driveshaft Drive Shaft Left N/S A4473503501
Promo price
£142.95
£85.77
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A1723509401
Mercedes SLK R172 Rear Axle Driveshaft Left N/S A1723509401
Promo price
£80.95
£48.57
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A2433502901
Driveshaft Mercedes EQA H243 4MATIC Rear Axle Left Right Shaft A2433502901
Promo price
£284.95
£170.97
Free delivery: Jul 23 – 30
If paid before 14:00

Part no. A6393501910-1
Mercedes W639 Vito Viano Drive Shaft Rear Axle Right Left N/O/S A6393501910
£127.95
Free delivery: Jul 23 – 30
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A1663501210
Mercedes W166 Drive Shaft Rear Axle Left Right N/O/S Output Shaft A1663501210
Promo price
£66.95
£40.17
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-15%
Part no. A2213503410
Mercedes C216 W221 Drive Shaft Rear Left Right N/O/S M157 V8 Petrol A2213503410
Promo price
£113.95
£96.86
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A2534103401
Propeller Shaft Mercedes X253 M651 4matic Transfer Case Front Differential Shaft
Promo price
£99.95
£59.97
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

Part no. A2053503102
Mercedes W205 Rear Axle Driveshaft Right O/S A2053503102
£28.95
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A2513301901
Driveshaft Mercedes W251 4Matic Drive Shaft Front Axle Left N/S A2513301901
Promo price
£123.95
£74.37
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A2053509708
Mercedes S205 W205 C200 Driveshaft Rear Axle Left N/S Output Shaft A2053509708
Promo price
£118.95
£71.37
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-15%
Part no. A4153600115
Drive Shaft Mercedes W415 Front Axle Driveshaft Left N/S A4153600115
Promo price
£123.95
£105.36
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A4153600015
Drive Shaft Mercedes W415 Front Axle Driveshaft Right O/S A4153600015
Promo price
£104.95
£62.97
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A2033504356
Mercedes W203 Drive Shaft Rear Left Right N/O/S Petrol Output Shaft A2033504356
Promo price
£47.95
£28.77
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A2133502511
Mercedes W213 Drive Shaft Rear Axle Left N/S Output Shaft OM654 A2133502511
Promo price
£47.95
£28.77
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A2053503100
Mercedes W205 Rear Axle Driveshaft Left Right N/O/S A2053503100
Promo price
£99.95
£59.97
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-15%
Part no. A2463309700-1
Mercedes GLA X156 Driveshaft Front Axle Right O/S Output Shaft OM651 A2463309700
Promo price
£170.95
£145.31
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

Part no. A2053503718
Mercedes C205 Driveshaft Drive Shaft Rear Left N/S M177 Petrol A2053503718
£503.95
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A2513300601
Mercedes W251 Drive Shaft Driveshaft Front Axle Right O/S A2513300601
Promo price
£47.95
£28.77
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

Part no. A2203509310
Mercedes W220 Inserted Driveshaft Half Shaft Rear Axle A2203509310
£47.95
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A1683604772
Mercedes Vaneo W414 Front Axle Drive Driveshaft Right O/S A1683604772
Promo price
£37.95
£22.77
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A2463307700
Drive Shaft Mercedes W176 W246 M607 Front Right O/S Axle Manual A2463307700
Promo price
£94.95
£56.97
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A2213503010
Mercredes W221 M275 Petrol Rear Axle Driveshaft Left Right N/O/S A2213503010
Promo price
£213.95
£128.37
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A2513501610
Mercedes W251 Rear Axle Driveshaft Right O/S Drive Shaft A2513501610
Promo price
£28.95
£17.37
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A2463302401
Mercedes CLA C117 Petrol M270 Driveshaft Front Right O/S Inner Shaft
Promo price
£156.95
£94.17
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A2513501410
Mercedes W251 Rear Axle Driveshaft Left N/S Drive Shaft A2513501410
Promo price
£28.95
£17.37
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A2133502611-1
Mercedes W213 Drive Shaft Rear Axle Right O/S Output Shaft OM654 A2133502611
Promo price
£47.95
£28.77
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A2053503918
Mercedes W205 OM651 Rear Axle Drive Shaft Left N/S Passenger Side A2053503918
Promo price
£66.95
£40.17
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A2053508114
Mercedes W205 OM651 Rear Axle Drive Shaft Right O/S Driver's Side A2053508114
Promo price
£28.95
£17.37
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

Part no. A2213500810
Mercedes S212 Driveshaft Rear Axle Shaft Left N/S E350 CDI Diesel A2213500810
£127.95
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A2053507508
Mercedes W205 OM651 Rear Axle Drive Shaft Right O/S Driver's Side A2053507508
Promo price
£23.95
£14.37
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A2133502611
Mercedes W213 Drive Shaft Rear Axle Right O/S Output Shaft OM654 A2133502611
Promo price
£28.95
£17.37
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

Part no. A1713501410
Mercedes R171 AMG SLK 55 Rear Axle Driveshaft Left Right N/O/S A1713501410
£189.95
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A2463309400
Mercedes C117 W176 W246 Drive Shaft Front Axle Left N/S OM651 Diesel A2463301601
Promo price
£23.95
£14.37
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

Part no. A1773301002-1
Mercedes W177 AMG Drive Shaft Front Right O/S Axle Output Shaft A1773301002
£341.95
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A1643501510
Mercedes W164 AMG Rear Axle Driveshaft Left Right N/O/S Drive Shaft A1643501510
Promo price
£94.95
£56.97
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

Part no. A1634100702
Mercedes W163 Propshaft Rear Prop Drive Shaft A1634100702 Automatic
£175.95
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A2053509608
Mercedes W205 Drive Shaft Rear Axle Right O/S Output Shaft A2053509608
Promo price
£75.95
£45.57
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. A2053503202
Mercedes W205 OM651 Diesel Rear Axle Driveshaft Left N/S Automatic A2053503202
Promo price
£151.95
£91.17
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

Part no. A1693705572
Drive Shaft Mercedes W169 W245 Front Left N/S Axle Half A1693705572
Product currently unavailable

Part no. A2463301601
Drive Shaft Mercedes W176 W246 OM651 Diesel Front Left N/S Axle A2463301601
Product currently unavailable

Part no. A2463301701
Mercedes W176 W246 OM651 Front Drive Shaft Output Shaft Right O/S A2463303200
Product currently unavailable

Part no. A2213501910
Mercedes W212 W221 Diesel Rear Left Right Axle Output Drive Shaft A2213501910
Product currently unavailable

Part no. A1693608272
Mercedes A B Class W169 W245 Front Right O/S Axle Drive Half Shaft A1693608272
Product currently unavailable

Part no. A2123502210
Mercedes W212 AMG Drive Shaft Rear Axle Left Right Output Shaft A2123502210
Product currently unavailable

Part no. A2033502456
Mercedes W203 Drive Shaft Rear Left Right N/O/S Petrol Output Shaft A2033502456
Product currently unavailable

Part no. A2463309300
Drive Shaft Mercedes C117 X156 W176 Front Right O/S Axle Driveshaft A2463309300
Product currently unavailable

Part no. A2033506256
Mercedes W203 Drive Output Shaft Rear Left Right N/O/S Axle Shaft A2033506256
Product currently unavailable

Part no. A2463308800
Drive Shaft Mercedes W176 W246 M260 Front Left N/S Drive Axle A2463308800
Product currently unavailable

Part no. A2033502610
Mercedes W203 Drive Output Shaft Rear Left Right N/O/S Axle Shaft A2033502610
Product currently unavailable

Part no. A1663301300
Mercedes GLE C292 4matic 350d Coupe Front Driveshaft Right O/S A1663301300
Product currently unavailable
- 1
- 2

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.