Propshafts: The RWD and AWD Power Transfer

On rear-wheel-drive cars (most BMWs, Mercedes, some Mazdas, sports cars) and all-wheel-drive cars (Audi quattro, BMW xDrive, Subaru), a propshaft runs from the gearbox to the rear differential, transmitting torque the length of the car. The propshaft is typically a two-piece tube with a centre support bearing in the middle, with universal joints (UJs) at each end.

Common wear items

Universal joints — the cross-shaped joint at each end of the prop section. Wear causes a heavy clonk on take-up and vibration at motorway speeds. Replacement requires propshaft removal and pressing the new UJs in.

Centre support bearing — the rubber-and-steel mount at the middle of the propshaft. Wear causes vibration in the cabin floor at certain speeds. Replacement requires propshaft removal.

Balance after

Propshafts are dynamically balanced at manufacture. Disassembly and reassembly can throw off the balance — modern UJ replacement requires careful note of the original orientation. Many garages send propshafts to a specialist for UJ replacement plus rebalance.

Brand

GKN, SPIDAN, Lobro for OE-equivalent UJs and centre bearings.

Find propshaft components for your car on the Propshafts & Components collection.