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.
Make
Category
Subcategory
Differentials and parts
Condition
In Stock
Price
-15%
Part no. 8J0407271N
Audi TT 8J Front Axle Drive Shaft Left N/S Manual Transmission 8J0407271N
Promo price
€47.95
€40.76
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 8679838
Drive Shaft BMW F40 xDrive Mini F60 ALL4 B48E Rear Axle Output Shaft 8679838
Promo price
€80.95
€48.57
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. A1693705572
Drive Shaft Mercedes W169 W245 Front Left N/S Axle Half A1693705572
Promo price
€47.95
€40.76
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-5%
Part no. 8K0501203K
Audi A4 B8 Driveshaft Rear Axle Right O/S Drive Shaft 8K0501203K
Promo price
€23.95
€22.75
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 4G0407271F
Audi RS6 C7 Front Axle Driveshaft Left Right N/O/S Drive Shaft 4G0407271F
Promo price
€32.95
€28.01
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
Part no. 7572424
BMW E60 E61 Output Drive Shaft Driveshaft LK=86MM D=27MM 7550021
€51.95
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 9809173
Mini R60 R61 Countryman Paceman Driveshaft Output Shaft Front Left N/S
Promo price
€42.95
€36.51
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
Part no. 1K0407272NJ
Audi A3 8P 2.0 TDI BMN Diesel Front Driveshaft Right O/S 1K0407272NJ
€28.95
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 8643362
Mini F55 F56 F57 Front Right Axle O/S Output Drive Shaft Driveshaft 8643362
Promo price
€113.95
€68.37
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. A1713501210
Mercedes R171 Drive Shaft Rear Left Right Petrol Output Shaft A1713501210
Promo price
€42.95
€25.77
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 1K0407271LB
Drive Shaft Audi A3 8V 1.6 TDI Front Left N/S Driveshaft Shaft 1K0407271LB
Promo price
€32.95
€28.01
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 1K0407271JJ
Volkswagen Touran 1T 1.4 TSI DSG Driveshaft Front Left N/S 1K0407271JJ
Promo price
€37.95
€32.26
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-10%
Part no. 7614658
BMW F01 F07 530d 730d N57 Automatic Gearbox Drive Shaft Propshaft 7591610 1702MM
Promo price
€137.95
€124.16
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. A2463301601
Drive Shaft Mercedes W176 W246 OM651 Diesel Front Left N/S Axle A2463301601
Promo price
€56.95
€34.17
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 9806470
MINI Cooper One D R60 R61 Driveshaft Output Shaft Front Right O/S 976MM 9806470
Promo price
€142.95
€85.77
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
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
€123.95
€105.36
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
Part no. LR034513
Range Rover L405 Front Axle Driveshaft Propshaft Prop Shaft Centre LR034513
€51.95
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 7598037
Drive Shaft BMW X3 F25 X4 F26 Output Shaft Rear Axle Left N/S 7598037
Promo price
€28.95
€24.61
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-5%
Part no. 8644244
BMW 1 Series F20 F21 LCI Right O/S Output Drive Shaft B37 Diesel 8644244
Promo price
€23.95
€22.75
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 8676290
BMW F34 Driveshaft Drive Shaft Propshaft Automatic Diesel 8676290
Promo price
€108.95
€65.37
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. LR105296
Land Rover Discovdery Sport L550 Driveshaft Bracket Mount Support GJ324H473AD
Promo price
€123.95
€74.37
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
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
€56.95
€34.17
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 8K0407271Q
Audi A4 B8 Front Axle Driveshaft Left Right N/O/S Drive Shaft 8K0407271Q
Promo price
€61.95
€52.66
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 1K0501204D
Audi TT 8J A3 8P Q3 8U Drive Shaft Rear Right O/S Driveshaft 1K0501204D
Promo price
€28.95
€24.61
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
Part no. 8639466
BMW G11 Diesel B57 Drive Shaft Rear Axle Right O/S Output Shaft 8639466
€56.95
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 0B6409355A
Audi A6 C7 A7 4G Front Axle Drive Shaft Left N/S Quattro Automatic 0B6409355A
Promo price
€113.95
€68.37
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-5%
Part no. 1K0501203D
Audi TT 8J A3 8P Q3 8U Drive Shaft Driveshaft Rear Left N/S 1K0501203D
Promo price
€23.95
€22.75
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
Part no. 7646867
BMW F45 X1 F48 xDrive Output Drive Shaft Rear Axle Left Drive Shaft 7646867
€134.95
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. A2113501656
Mercedes W211 OM642 Drive Output Shaft Rear Left Right N/O/S A2113501656
Promo price
€66.95
€40.17
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
Part no. 5Q0407271H
Audi A3 8V 2.0 TDI CRLB Diesel Front Axle Drive Shaft Left N/S 5Q0407271H
€61.95
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 5Q0407271A
Volkswagen Golf Mk7 Front Axle Driveshaft Left N/S Manual 1.4 Petrol 5Q0407271A
Promo price
€32.95
€28.01
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
Part no. A1723501204
Mercedes R172 Rear Axle Driveshaft Left Right N/O/S M271 Petrol A1723501204
€75.95
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
Part no. A2433502901
Driveshaft Mercedes EQA H243 4MATIC Rear Axle Left Right Shaft A2433502901
€332.95
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 3C0407271AJ
Audi S3 8P 2.0 TFSI CDLA Front Axle Driveshaft Drive Shaft Left N/S 3C0407271AJ
Promo price
€28.95
€24.61
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
Part no. 5Q0407271AQ
Volkswagen Golf Mk7 GTD Front Axle Driveshaft Left N/S 2.0TDI Manual 5Q0407271AQ
€42.95
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 1K0407272GM
Audi A3 8P Seat Leon Mk2 Driveshaft Front Right O/S Side Drive Shaft 1K0407272GM
Promo price
€28.95
€24.61
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. A2463600274-3
Mercedes GLA X156 4matic Intermediate Shaft Front Right O/S Bearing Bracket
Promo price
€47.95
€28.77
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 8661688
Mini F55 F56 Drive Shaft Output Shaft Front Right O/S Axle 8643366
Promo price
€332.95
€199.77
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 8K0501203L
Audi S5 8T 4.2 FSI CAUA Rear Axle Driveshaft Left N/S Passenger Side 8K0501203L
Promo price
€28.95
€24.61
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
Part no. A1643302301
Mercedes W164 Driveshaft Drive Shaft Front Left N/S Axle A1643302301
€66.95
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 8K0501204L
Audi S5 8T 4.2 FSI Driveshaft Rear Axle Right O/S Drive Shaft 8K0501204L
Promo price
€28.95
€24.61
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 7622914
BMW X5 F15 X6 F16 Drive Shaft Output Shaft Front Axle Right O/S L=1011MM 7622914
Promo price
€113.95
€96.86
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 5Q0501204C
Audi Q2 GA 2.0 TDI Quattro Rear Axle Driveshaft Right O/S 5Q0501204C
Promo price
€28.95
€24.61
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 7605486
BMW X1 Series E84 Rear Axle Right O/S Output Drive Shaft Driveshaft 4608776
Promo price
€75.95
€45.57
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 0BL409355
Audi A8 D4 Differential Shaft Left N/S Flanged Shaft 4.2 TDI Quattro 0BL409355
Promo price
€66.95
€40.17
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. A2043504010
Mercedes W204 W207 Rear Driveshaft OM651 Axle Shaft Left Right N/O/S A2043504010
Promo price
€32.95
€28.01
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 7637444
Drive Shaft BMW F30 F31 328i N20 Rear Axle Right O/S Output Driveshaft 7637444
Promo price
€89.95
€53.97
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
Part no. 8645453
Mini F54 F55 F56 F57 F60 Petrol Engine Balance Shaft Gear 8645453
€61.95
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 7598028
BMW X3 F25 X4 F26 Front Driveshaft Axle Shaft xDrive Right O/S L=910MM 7598028
Promo price
€47.95
€40.76
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. A2513500110
Mercedes V251 Drive Shaft Rear Axle Left N/S Driveshaft Transmission A2513500110
Promo price
€32.95
€28.01
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 8605184
BMW F20 LCI 118d F22 218d B47 Manual Gearbox Drive Shaft Propshaft 8605184
Promo price
€47.95
€40.76
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
Part no. 1K0407271KA
VW Volkswagen Passat B6 Front Axle Driveshaft Left N/S 2.0 TDI CBAB 1K0407271KA
€28.95
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 8643361-1
Driveshaft Output Mini F56 F55 F57 Front Axle Left N/S Drive Shaft 8643361
Promo price
€94.95
€80.71
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. A2213504010
Mercedes W221 Drive Shaft Diesel Rear Left Right Output Shaft A2213504010
Promo price
€32.95
€28.01
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 9806465
Mini Countryman R60 R61 Front Axle Left N/S Output Shaft 9809169
Promo price
€66.95
€40.17
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
Part no. TOB500280
Land Rover Discovery 3 L319 Rear Axle Drive Shaft Driveshaft Right O/S TOB500280
€37.95
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 5Q0501203C
Audi TT FV Quattro Drive Shaft Rear Axle Left N/S Driveshaft 5Q0501203C
Promo price
€32.95
€28.01
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. A4473305300
Mercedes Vito W447 OM622 Drive Shaft Front Left Axle Driveshaft A4473305300
Promo price
€113.95
€68.37
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-5%
Part no. A6420300172
Mercedes W219 OM642 Diesel Engine Balance Shaft A6420300172
Promo price
€23.95
€22.75
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-5%
Part no. 1J0407721G
Volkswagen Golf 4 Passat B6 2.0 TDI Diesel Driveshaft Cover Shield 1J0407721G
Promo price
€23.95
€22.75
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 7L8501201B
Audi Q7 4L Driveshaft Rear Axle Left Right N/O/S Drive Shaft 7L8501201B
Promo price
€28.95
€24.61
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 2K3407271B
VW Volkswagen Caddy Maxi Front Axle Left N/S Drive Shaft 2K3407271B
Promo price
€56.95
€34.17
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
Part no. 8605866
Prop Shaft BMW X5 E70 X6 E71 F15 F16 Front Shaft Drive Assy 709MM 7597649
€66.95
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 5A2DFB8
Drive Shaft Mini F55 F56 F57 Front Right O/S Axle Output Shaft Manual 5A2DFB8
Promo price
€104.95
€62.97
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
Part no. A2463302000
Mercedes W176 W246 Automatic Gearbox Differential A2463302000 A2463708101
€142.95
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. A2133504600
Mercedes W213 Driveshaft Output Shaft Rear Left Right N/O/S OM654 A2133504600
Promo price
€42.95
€25.77
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-5%
Part no. A6393501610
Mercedes Vito W639 Rear Axle Output Drive Shaft Manual Transmission A6393501610
Promo price
€23.95
€22.75
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
Part no. A2462603200
Mercedes W176 W246 Automatic Gearbox Drive Shaft A2462603200 A2463708101
€165.95
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 2284116
Rear Driveshaft BMW F10 M5 F12 F13 M6 Axle Right O/S Shaft 2284116 D=40MM
Promo price
€75.95
€45.57
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. A1663501110
Mercedes X166 Rear Driveshaft Axle Shaft Left Right N/O/S A1663501110
Promo price
€42.95
€25.77
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
Part no. A2462603000
Mercedes W176 W246 Automatic Gearbox Power Output Shaft A2462603000 A2463708101
€189.95
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. A2053507001
Driveshaft Mercedes W205 Petrol M274 Rear Right O/S Output Shaft A2053507001
Promo price
€75.95
€45.57
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. A2463302900
Drive Shaft Mercedes W176 W246 Front Left N/S Axle Driveshaft A2463302900
Promo price
€47.95
€28.77
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-5%
Part no. 1J0407721C
Seat Leon 5F Ibiza 6J Driveshaft Cover Shield Petrol 2.0 TFSI 1J0407721C
Promo price
€23.95
€22.75
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 7581028
BMW F10 F11 B47 N47N Rear Axle Right O/S Output Drive Shaft Driveshaft 7581028
Promo price
€28.95
€24.61
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 7646908
Inner Driveshaft BMW F40 F45 F48 Diesel Transfer Box Intermediate Shaft 7646908
Promo price
€66.95
€40.17
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-10%
Part no. 8693394
BMW F01 F07 530d 730d N57 Automatic Gearbox Drive Shaft Propshaft 7631361 1703MM
Promo price
€161.95
€145.76
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. A2213501910
Mercedes W212 W221 Diesel Rear Left Right Axle Output Drive Shaft A2213501910
Promo price
€47.95
€28.77
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
Part no. A6393501910-1
Mercedes W639 Vito Viano Drive Shaft Rear Axle Right Left N/O/S A6393501910
€142.95
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 5Q0501204A
Audi A3 S3 8V 2.0 TFSI Quattro Axle Driveshaft Rear Right O/S 5Q0501204A
Promo price
€28.95
€24.61
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
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
€80.95
€48.57
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 8K0407271AJ
Audi RS4 B8 4.2 FSI CFSA Front Driveshaft Left Right N/O/S Manual 8K0407271AJ
Promo price
€47.95
€40.76
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 8643371
Mini Cooper D F55 F56 Drive Output Shaft Front Left Manual B37 8643371
Promo price
€56.95
€34.17
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
Part no. A2053503309
Mercedes W205 OM626 Diesel Rear Axle Driveshaft Right O/S A2053503309
€180.95
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-5%
Part no. 9809173-1
Mini R60 R61 Countryman Paceman Front Driveshaft Output Shaft Left N/S 9809173
Promo price
€23.95
€22.75
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-10%
Part no. 8651061
BMW F20 F21 LCI 116i 118i B38 Manual Gearbox Drive Shaft Propshaft 8651061
Promo price
€66.95
€60.26
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 4M0407271AD
Audi Q7 4M Front Axle Driveshaft Left Right N/O/S Drive Shaft 4M0407271AD
Promo price
€99.95
€59.97
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 1879576
Ford Transit Connect Mk2 Front Driveshaft Mount Bracket 1.5 TDCI F1F1-3K305-AA
Promo price
€28.95
€24.61
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
Part no. 8611942
BMW X1 F48 Mini F54 F60 Front Driveshaft Output Drive Shaft Right O/S 8611942
€222.95
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. A2033505356
Mercedes W203 C209 Drive Output Shaft Rear Left Right Axle Shaft A2033505356
Promo price
€47.95
€28.77
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
Part no. 8661690
Driveshaft Mini Cooper F55 F56 F57 Front Axle Output Shaft Right O/S 8661690
€232.95
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 7598036
Rear Driveshaft BMW X3 F25 X4 F26 Axle Right O/S Shaft 30dX 35dX D=38MM 7598036
Promo price
€61.95
€52.66
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 5A5C2F1
BMW F70 F74 F78 Gran Coupé Output Shaft Rear Axle Left Right N/O/S 5A5C2F1
Promo price
€165.95
€99.57
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 7597694
Drive Shaft BMW F30 F31 F32 F33 xDrive Front Right O/S Output 7597694
Promo price
€94.95
€56.97
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 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
€75.95
€45.57
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-5%
Part no. 8K0407722
Audi RS6 C7 Driveshaft Cover Shield Front Right O/S 8K0407722
Promo price
€23.95
€22.75
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 7P0407271C
Audi Q7 4L Front Axle Driveshaft Left Right N/O/S Drive Shaft 7P0407271C
Promo price
€42.95
€25.77
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 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
€66.95
€40.17
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
-5%
Part no. 8K0501203J
Drive Shaft Audi A4 B8 A5 8T Rear Axle Driveshaft Left Right N/O/S 8K0501203J
Promo price
€23.95
€22.75
Free delivery: Jul 17 – 22
If paid before 14:00
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.