Hi,
I have a 2000 Subaru Forrester. I use my local Subaru dealership for all my Subaru service. They are recommending I replace the drive shaft. I trust them, but this is an expensive repair. Are there any questions I should ask before they do the repair to verify this is really worn out? Also, they said I could keep costs down by replacing it with a used drive shaft, but if my current one is worn out, why would I want to put a used one? How do I know it is not also worn out?
Thanks for any insight and information.
Answers from the Automotive Experts
Hi Michelle -
A worn out drive shaft is unusual without any symptoms. Are you having any sort of vibration or noise while driving?
I honestly would take that for a second opinion. If there is something wrong with your driveshaft I don't think you will have a problem with a used one - since they don't often go bad. You can also check with them as to whether the used one will come with any sort of warranty.
Good luck!
Bogi Lateiner
180 Degrees Automotive
http://180auto.com/
Dear Michelle,
Usually what happens is the rubber boot for the drive shaft gets ripped and then the grease leaks out. This causes the gears to grind to the point that the drive shaft has to be replaced.
You should have heard a grinding noise when you turned in the direction of that drive shaft. If you were not hearing noise you can ask them to just replace the boot and pack it with new grease. A friend of mine did this and it was fine for many more years...it was also cheaper than putting in a new drive shaft.
They will actually repair it with a re-built drive shaft. This means that they got it out of another vehicle but it*s been re-built and therefore less expensive. You could go with a new one, but re-builts are usually the way to go.
Hope this helps.
Lori Johnson
www.ladiesstartyourengines.net