Hi Scotty,
I made it to 241,000 miles on my 2005 Matrix! I started getting heavy vibrations in the seat over 55mph on the hwy, but only on acceleration. I did some research and believed it to be a CV or U-joint, when I took it in, the mechanic said it’s the rear u-joint and it’s interconnected to the drive shaft so I need to replace the whole thing, quoted $1300. I’m considering buying a used driveshaft online and replacing it myself but I’m not sure if that’s safe or worth the savings. Is that something you would do or go new? Any particular reputable places to buy used parts like this?
Thanks for all your help!
John
Check for play in the center support
Absolutely not. Tell your "mechanic" to replace the u joint with a new one. They cost about $20 everywhere.
Further investigation reveals that the u joints are "staked" in position and though available, would cost as much to put in new u joints as to replace the driveshaft unit. They are available new, re manufactured and of course, junk yard.
Thanks for all your feedback. Too bad staked u joints are tough to replace. I’ll take a look at getting a new driveshaft.
I saw someone take their driveshaft off of their Nissan Rogue and drove ok without it, as a FWD car. Do you have any idea if this is advisable for a Toyota Marix AWD? I wouldn’t mind going FWD here on out if it doesn’t put excess strain on any parts.
Thanks for your help!
and replace rubber boot on em too
that rubber boot... it tends to break and let salt or other garbage like dirt get into those bearings. which wear poor bearings out fast
The mechanic found an issue with the *rear driveshaft*
You have a picture of a CV axle. The owner never said his CV boots were broken
all im trying to advice when you are underneath car.... take a look on those boots to make sure they are still in good condition....
I replaced my 1 cv axle on the real right (expensive) and done all other cv boots.
this pic came off jeep.
which does have rubber boot on the driveshaft as you can see.
idk that your car have that but its worth checking it out
If you can't pay attention, then please ...I think you just need to leave this one alone.
soo... you telling me that just replace 1 part and that's it? in other words, you like to test government's water. Not me. after I replace 1 part like bearing that holds driveshaft in place, I go through entire vehicle to make sure I don't miss anything like bad rust spot on fuel tank or broken brake lines. If you get into wreck after you replace just 1 bearing, police going to take the vehicles that been in wreck and investigate it to determine is it improper maintenance. if they find that you did not check brake pads and you are facing serious crime and long stay in jail.
I highly recommend that you stop trolling immediately.
Thank you, MMJoe.