If your Jeep Wrangler JK is making strange noises or vibrating excessively, it may be time to replace the front drive shaft. This can be a difficult and expensive repair, but keeping your Jeep running smoothly is vital.
Drive shaft components will price somewhere around $350 and $800, while labor will cost about $175 to $200.
Follow along to learn about (JK) Jeep Wrangler drive shaft repair prices.
Jeep Wrangler JK Front Drive Shaft Replacement Cost
Drive Shaft Replacement costs may vary significantly depending on the type of the issue and the rate at which it may be resolved. For example, the cost of replacing a half-shaft on the front-wheel-drive Jeep will vary from $450 to $950.
Expect to spend between $650 and $2,500 if the Jeep has a long drive shaft that operates the rear wheels.
With labor charges varying between $250 and $300 based on the state’s service facility, region, and taxation, these variables decide the majority of the ultimate price.
Labor and part prices are directly proportional to the Jeep you own. So, try to keep this in mind. For example, replacing a back wheel or 4-wheel drive jeep’s drive shaft costs more.
When Do You Replace the Front Drive Shaft?
Driveshafts typically have a lifespan of around 80,000 miles. Please remember that the mileage you get may be considerably lowered or raised based on the Jeep’s condition and mileage.
Adjusting the height of the driveshaft raises its chances of being failed. Thus, it will need to be replaced sooner. Lubricating the U-joints is an effective technique to extend the life of the shaft.
Here is a complete list of warning signs that the driveshaft is approaching the end of its usable life:
- While driving, a squeaking noise may be noticed. As this condition develops, this will become more prevalent.
- You might notice a vibration while driving, but there is no need for an alarm. Even as the shaft worsens, this may eventually get stronger.
- When switching from backward to driving mode and increasing speed, you might notice a rattling sound.
- Your rear driveshaft has a problem if the U-joint rotates too rapidly or does not move at all.
- When you try to turn the Jeep, and the wheels do not spin rapidly or at all, you have a drive shaft issue.
If drivers believe that the Jeep’s driveshaft is reaching the end of its lifespan, you should get it inspected to protect other components. If you see any of the mentioned symptoms, you must replace the driveshaft as early as possible.
Installing the JK Jeep Wrangler Front Drive Shaft
The following items and equipment are required for installing the driveshaft:
- 0.5-inch drive wrench and 6mm socket, in addition to a vast selection of sizes
- Twist wrench
- Big hammers or a rubber mallet
- Loctite
- Hook and jacks for lifting
- Silica
Here are the procedures necessary to install the front driveshaft on a Jeep Wrangler:
Step 1: Raise the Jeep
Place the Jeep on a flat area and lift it up. Next, lift the hydraulic flooring pump from each end to a sufficient height to put up jack supports. And so forth. If you lack access to a raise, you must always utilize proper lifting and support stand locations. And you must never start working underneath the Jeep without jack supports.
Step 2: Remove the Gear Box Skid Cover
Three bolts are used to attach the skid panel to the framework. Loosen the three bolts and then support the skid panel while releasing the last one to avoid harm.
Step 3: Remove the Front Driveshaft from the Flanges
Loosen the four 6mm bolts from the driveshaft flanges. You may first loosen 4 to 5 bolts, then slide the Jeep Wrangler backwards or forward to rotate the axle. Then you’ll reach to the other nuts.
Step 4: Unscrew the Bolts of Driveshaft from Axle
Rotate the shaft around after releasing the six bolts from the flanges. At this end, six bolts connect the driveshaft to the flanges. Loosen these four bolts. Get ready to start the work.
Step 5: Control the Shaft
It is the most challenging stage of the procedure. Select the perfect mallet or hammer available and use it to remove the tar off the shaft flanges. The axle end is often simpler to remove than the gearbox. Utilize KB Blast or WB-50 to prepare the shaft the day before the installation.
Step 6: Uninstall the Flanges
If you do not have an air gun, you will need to maintain the center bolt still while you tighten it using a wrench. Using a hefty hammer, loosen the central nuts, and the flanges should fall out. The wheel and transmission case follow the same technique.
Step 7: Install New Flanges on Each End
Before replacing the replacement flanges on the end of the axle, gently exfoliate and apply silicone to its internal threads. Attach the center nut and apply Loctite to the thread on the flanges. Install the shaft following the company’s guidelines. Torque the transmission case and flanges screw to the company’s standards.
Step 8: Attach the Front Shaft Flanges
Add Loctite to the screw holes before installing the shaft onto the flanges. The manufacturer-specified torque must be applied to the bolts to mount these shafts. The four 6mm transfer case screws and four-axle nuts are likely OEM. Driveshafts may only require four nuts on each end. Some use four bolts on each flange in this instance. Ensure that they are all adequately torqued.
FAQ’s
How Much Would It Cost to Repair a Jeep Wrangler’s Driveshaft?
The typical cost of repairing an axle shaft on a Jeep Wrangler is around $950 and $1,250. The labor cost is estimated at around $200 to $250, while the cost of components is somewhere between $600 to $650. This estimated cost doesn’t include the fees and taxes. Also, it does not take into account the particular model year or area.
How Much Would It Cost to Replace the Jeep’s Front Drive Shaft?
The price of replacing a half-shaft on the front axle will vary from $450 to $1,000. Expect to spend between $650 and $1,250 if the Jeep has a long crankshaft that drives the back wheels.
Is It Possible to Drive the Jeep JK Without a Front Driveshaft?
You will be all right if you avoid towing. If we recall correctly, the T-case is lubricated by the rotating front drive shaft while the Jeep is not operating. Towing requires a specific transmission and transfer case selection.
Final Note
The drive shaft plays an integral part in the mobility of the Jeep. Therefore, the correct operation of the drive shaft is crucial.
As early as you detect difficulties, you should get the drive shaft inspected and replaced. We tried to present you with all the required information and expenses about the Jeep Wrangler’s drive shaft.
