Hi Scotty and all,
Follow up to a previous thread - I have a 2005 Toyota Matrix AWD, 241,000 miles. It started shaking a bunch in my seat going over 55mph. I brought it in and was told I'd need a new driveshaft because the staked in u-joints have gone bad ($1300 for repair). I researched and saw someone else online drive their Nissan Rogue without a driveshaft, as FWD. Is this possible and advisable for a Toyota Matrix? Anything to look out for?
Thanks for all your help!
John
I’m not well versed on the matrix but if it has bolt in u joints and not a slip yoke style then it’s not the best idea but you can. If it’s a slip on style it will leak oil and you cannot
It really depends on the particular AWD system. There are so many different systems. I don't know principle of operation that yours uses off the top of my head. For example if it has a center differential then no, the car won't even move without it. Sometimes doing this will cause a vehicle to roll away in Park. Sometimes messing with drivelines can cause oil starvation to bearings.
The answer is usually no. For an exact answer, you will need to ask someone who is intimately familiar with YOUR particular year, model, and drivetrain. Try getting a senior Toyota tech on the phone from your local dealership.
I would advise against it unless you're just moving the vehicle in and out of a garage. The drive systems are designed with load bearing capabilities that need to be balanced to some degree and would probably suffer from removing the rear drive shaft.
