Driveshaft supposedly broke while stationary.

pedro91

Recently had a new clutch put in my car and then within a week my driveshaft has gone. Could this be down to poor fitting of the clutch as the garage now want £165 to repair it.

When the driveshaft went I was sat outside a mates house with the engine running idle for about 30mins, not in gear. Then all of a sudden a clunk noise comes from the front of the car and it wouldn't move.

Just looking for some advise on whether there may have been a fault with the driveshaft, or poor installation of the clutch could have led to it. supposedly

Thanks for your help...

vaio

I'm struggling to see how a driveshaft can actively fail unless the car is moving

Hintza

vaio wrote: »

I'm struggling to see how a driveshaft can actively fail unless the car is moving

My only thought would be the drive shafts were taken off the gearbox to replace the clutch and were not properly fitted when reattached?

Nerja_2

I would find a forum that deals in your specific make of car and post the details of your car/model and see if anyone on there can suggest why the shaft might have failed (and how do you know it is in fact a driveshaft and not the dodgy new clutch?).

harveybobbles

Sounds like the drive shaft has popped out rather than broken.

I'm guessing the person that put the car back together didnt fit the shaft correctly.

ariba10

A drive shaft rarely goes while driving.

The maximum load on the shaft is when the clutch is engaged on starting off.

SLITHER99

Idling for 30 minutes? Why... actually none of my business.

I'd wager the shaft broke when it fell off after not being fitted properly.

Either way, your word against theirs still means a broken drive shaft and a £165 bill. If these are the guys who fitted your clutch, I'd politely pay up but also express your concern. That said, I'd bet any garage would immediately leap on the defensive at being questioned. It's up to you really.

arcon5

What car is it? I had a drive shaft supplied and fitted on an mondeo mk3 for £100 few months ago so shop around.

Splott

Is it broken or has it just fallen off? I had a VW Passat that had a driveshaft held on at the gearbox end by 6 bolts. They were notorious for coming undone on that model of car.

harveybobbles

New shatfs for Mk3 Mondeos are £35.

arcon5

+ about £48 labour + vat so sounds about right.