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Lubricate Driveshaft Cost Estimate
Lubricate Driveshaft Cost Estimate
Worried you might overpay for your driveshaft lubrication service? Use Jerry’s GarageGuard to get fair cost estimate for your driveshaft lubrication service.
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John Davis
Expert Automotive Writer
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear, Director of Content
Edited by Jessica Barrett, Senior Car & Insurance Editor
What's on this page?
- How much does it cost to lubricate a driveshaft?
- Where can I get my driveshaft lubricated?
- How will a mechanic lubricate your driveshaft?
- Can I drive with an unlubricated driveshaft?
- What is driveshaft lubrication?
- What are the symptoms of an unlubricated driveshaft?
- Is lubricating a driveshaft yourself easy?
- FAQs
- Meet Our Experts
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How much does it cost to lubricate a driveshaft?
You can expect an average total lubrication cost of $75-$95 to lubricate a driveshaft. The exact price will depend on your vehicle.
How long does it take to lubricate a driveshaft? In general, it takes around 1-1.5 hours for a certified mechanic to complete the job. Your mechanic will perform a preliminary inspection to determine if greasing is necessary, then follow through with the procedure.
How did we estimate these prices?
Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.
How did we estimate these prices?
Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.
See fair price estimates for popular cars
What parts do I need for my driveshaft lubrication and how much do those parts cost?
Here are the main things you’ll need for a driveshaft lubrication:
- Driveshaft lube/grease: This is one of the main components you’ll need. The cost can vary based on the brand and quantity, but it usually ranges from $5 to $30 per tube or container.
- Grease gun: A grease gun is used to apply the grease to the driveshaft. The cost of a grease gun can range from $15 to $100, depending on the quality and type.
- Safety equipment: Depending on the level of protection you desire, you may want to consider wearing gloves and safety glasses while performing the lubrication. The cost of safety equipment varies, but a basic set shouldn’t cost more than $10 or $20.
You can purchase parts for your driveshaft lubrication for your car from auto parts stores like AutoZone, NAPA Auto Parts, and Advance Auto Parts, as well as online retailers such as Amazon and RockAuto. Three of our top recommended brands for driveshaft lube or grease are Lucas Oil, Valvoline, and Mobil 1. For grease guns, Lincoln Lubrication, Lumax, and Alemite are our recommendations, and for automotive safety equipment, we recommend brands like 3M, SAS Safety, and Pyramex. Keep in mind that the best parts and brands for your driveshaft lubrication will vary based on your vehicle’s year, make, and model.
Should I buy OEM or aftermarket products?
A damaged driveshaft needs to be replaced quickly and while they may cost more money, OEM products are the best bet. With OEM parts, you can be sure that the driveshaft will fit your specific car and know that it’s covered under warranty in case you face another driveshaft problem.
Where can I buy parts for my driveshaft replacement?
Most driveshaft replacement parts can be purchased through auto parts and auto repair shops, like AutoZone, NAPA Auto Parts, and Advance Auto Parts. Additionally, Amazon sells driveshaft assembly kits for a variety of vehicles, ranging from Jeep Wrangler to Dodge Challenger and Toyota RAV4.
Where can I get my driveshaft lubricated?
Finding a reliable mechanic to lubricate your driveshaft can be tricky, especially if you don't have a trusted garage. Luckily, Jerry's
GarageGuard™
is here to help you by comparing prices from over 2,500 reputable auto repair shops across the US.Jerry's GarageGuard™ provides fair price estimates, considers actual hourly labor costs, and informs you about diagnostic fees. Real customer reviews assist in choosing the best service.
Explore our vetted shops and be sure to download the app to compare automotive repair quotes in your area.
174 Reviews
Yoo's Auto Service & Collision
189 W Duncannon Ave, Philadelphia, PA
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$100189 Reviews
Viking Auto Electric & Air
4521 Sunbeam Rd, Jacksonville, FL
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$110115 Reviews
University Tire & Auto Service
2908 Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$180How did we vet these shops?
Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.
How did we vet these shops?
Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.
How will a mechanic lubricate your driveshaft?
A mechanic will often do the following steps when lubricating your driveshaft:
- Raise the vehicle and support it on jack stands
- Locate the slip joints and U-joints on all driveshafts
- Pump new grease into the grease fittings of these parts
- Wipe away any old grease from the splines
- Lower the vehicle off the jack stands
Keep in mind: These steps vary depending on your type of driveshaft: CV axle shaft, straight shaft, or solid rear axle.
Can I drive with an unlubricated driveshaft?
One of the leading causes of driveshaft failure is a lack of lubrication. Driveshafts can fail while in motion, causing more expensive parts surrounding them to fail.
This is why it’s important to stay ahead of our driveshaft’s maintenance to avoid any additional costs in the future.
What is driveshaft lubrication?
Driveshaft lubrication is the process of applying lube to the moving components of the driveshaft, such as the slip joints and U-joints.
The lube reduces friction between these parts, ensuring smooth movement and preventing excessive wear and tear. Proper driveshaft lubrication helps prevent issues like vibrations, noise, and driveline damage.
Also: If your ignition ignitor is malfunctioning, a mechanic can provide you with a thorough inspection report that includes any repairs that are required during a driveshaft lubrication.
What are the symptoms of an unlubricated driveshaft?
There are a few common warning signs that your driveshaft needs to be lubricated:
- While the car is in gear, you may hear clicking or grating sounds
- While the vehicle is running, there’s some vibration
How often should you lubricate a driveshaft?
As a starting point, it's best to grease your driveshaft during every oil change, or every 200 to 500 hours of continuous operation.
Pro tip: If you go off-roading and run into dirt or water, promptly grease your shaft once you return home. This helps flush out contaminants before they can cause significant damage.
Is lubricating a driveshaft yourself easy?
Yes, lubricating a driveshaft is an easy DIY job for beginners and those with basic automotive skills. Locate the joints, pump new grease, and wipe away any excess lube.
If you’re unsure about any of the steps, consult your owner's manual or a mechanic for guidance.
FAQs
What should you inspect on a driveshaft?
When inspecting your driveshaft, you should check for loose end yokes, loose radials, bent shaft tubing, or missing plugs in the slip yoke. Each of these components is important to your driveshaft’s performance so it’s important that they are all in working order.
If you notice one of the following listed above, contact a mechanic as soon as possible as it could be part of a larger problem.
Why would a driveshaft fail?
Driveshafts can fail for several reasons. The most common, however, are worn or insufficiently lubricated u-joints, poor bearings, or loose shafts. Driveshafts can experience usual wear and tear but are more likely to fail due to premature wear and tear from other parts or modifications.
Does a driveshaft have to be aligned?
Yes, the yokes on a driveshaft need to be aligned for it to operate properly. If a driveshaft isn’t aligned, it can result in vibrations that can further damage it or destroy the engine.
Meet Our Experts
John Davis
Car Expert
Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience
John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.
Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.
Jessica Barrett
Car Expert
Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.
Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.
Kathleen Flear
Car Expert
Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.
*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.