Anyone ever had their driveshaft explode?

Made a u-turn yesterday, hit the gas pedal and 'pop' went the flange yoke on the rear end... anyone know of a good place to fine a replacement? Also, does anyone know what may cause it to happen? I think the actual driveshaft is ok, and luckily it didn't destroy the muffler or gas tank.

 

When's the last time you checked your u joints? Do you drive in 4wd on pavement?

 

It's a 2wd. The front u-joint was replaced a few months ago. Funny thing is I took it to my mechanic Thursday and had him replace the seal under the dust cap where the front of the driveshaft meets up to the tranny, I kind of feel like this had something to do with it. I don't think you can drop the driveshaft without unbolting it from the rear end, can you?

 

No it has to be unbolted. Maybe he left it loose?

 

Dang, I hate to hear that it has to be unbolted. I was hoping it wasn't going to come down to me going back to him and proving that it was his fault, but I was fairly certain that it was something he did. Thanks for confirming that. Sad thing is that even my wife (knows squat about cars/trucks) even said when we picked it up that it sound really loud and like something was wrong.

 

Few more pics from other angles of the driveshaft

 

Well just because he unbolted it doesn't men it was something he did that caused it. I would be carefull throwing around acusations based on nothing.

That flange still looks like it is bolted to the rear end plate tightly from the picture. Is it loose?

It would be my guess that since you had the front U Joint replaced for reasons in recent history, that maybe the rear was also on its last leg and that would be the cause of the failure. I also see a good bit of rust in the flange loop area where the bearing caps would sit. That indicates that they were not greased.

I always replace all of the universal joints when one starts going the others are not far behind.

I also see that your center Universal Joint flange is broken from a newer picture you posted. You also need to address that before it goes out in a similar fashion.

That is just a guess.

 

The same guy that replaced the front u-joint is the same guy that did the recent work. I specifically asked him to check the entire driveline and fix anything that needed it. When I picked it up he said he checked all areas and everything looked gtg to him. I'm not planning on going there and being an ass since he's been my mechanic for years and always does me fair, but it is just really odd that without 20 miles of driving after I picked it up from him my driveshaft blows...

 

So you didn't turn around and immediately return to the shop because?

 

I would just hit car-part.com find a used shaft and call it a day, chalk it up to crap happens. Arguing wont solve it and may sever a relationship. The ds looks like it was bolted back it may have just been that, crap happens. It wont be a big bill for a used one

 

That U joint looked as dry as a popcorn fart, and should have been replaced when the front one was replaced. Just my .02

 

id be willing to bet while unbolting the rear flange it was dropped right on the yoke causing this.

Its AWFUL suspect to have a yoke break like that right after work had been done that required the driveshaft removal. Center yoke damage is likely due to the extreme angle of that u joint binding due to the drifeshaft sitting on the ground and rotating after the rear flange failed. At the very least the center and rear u joints will need replacing, Center splined yoke, and likely the rear driveshaft u joint half (thing welded to the rear have of the driveshaft) should be cut off and a new one welded on as that sat and got rotated and dragged along the ground.

 

We picked it up after the shop had closed and they weren't there for the weekend. I was turning around to head back home when the driveshaft went.

 

My thoughts exactly. It honestly looks to me like every bit of the driveshaft has some sort of damage. It beat the gas tank up pretty good but luckily didn't puncture it.

 

Don't see what the big deal is. I'd take it back to him and let him deal with it. It's pretty obvious. Don't even need to discuss it or get mad. Just ask him to make it right.

 

Here is a list of driveshaft part. You'll want the flange yoke part # 3302-185 from northern drivetrain.


U-Joint -
Spicer 5-1330-1X
Search Rock auto for part number 513301x

Spicer Carrier Bearing
Search Rock Auto for part number 5002334 or look under 2005 Toyota Tacoma


Rear Drive Shaft Yokes
http://www.northerndrivetrain.com

Flange Yoke – rear driveshaft by differential
Part # 3302-185
1330 series, 4xØ.446 Holes on 3.661BC, Ø1.811M pilot

END YOKE –
Spicer 2-4-02009
1330 series, Snap Ring, Ø1.146x26 spline, Ø1.496 hub diameter
Product states it is strap style but have confirmed that it is in fact a snap ring style and vendor will be updating their system with correct information.

Toyota Parts:
http://www.toyotapartsdeal.com

Flange Nut – (For Propeller Intermediate Shaft Setting)
part #: 90080-17083

Washer Plate (For Propeller Intermediate Shaft Setting)
part #: 90080-20048

Washer (For Center Support Bearing)
part #: 90080-20049

 

That's my plan. He's a super good guy and I feel like he'll make it right without even having to discuss it. The big deal was that I'm moving from Atlanta to St. Augustine Florida for a new job.... tomorrow morning. So now I'm up the creek. I already had the wrecker drop it off at the shop so he'll see it first thing in the morning.

On another note, are there any other options for a driveshaft? Like a one piece or something like that? And is there anything I can do to avoid this from happening again besides greasing the u-joints?

 

In light of new information, I do think the mechanic may have been negligent.

He should have replaced all three u-joints as the rear was obviously dry.

The center joint is also dry more than likely and the yoke is damaged.


I would ask for him to foot the bill for repairs since it was only 20 miles since he had it out. I would also point out that he said the rear was fine when he replaced the front u-joint.

 

Update... talked to mechanic this morning. He said that he did not unbolt the driveshaft from the rear end when he replaced the front driveshaft seal. Apparently he had enough room to unbolt the carrier bearing and slide it out that way. He did say that the driveshaft was left hanging from the rear end while he changed the seal. I'm thinking that the pressure it had on it hanging down probably caused the damage that lead to the break. He also said that he completely missed the rear u-joint when he did his inspection. No word though on if he's going to cover the damages.

 

Thought we might have another one that shows the cardboard filler.