Non Ford Drive Shafts

[topgazza]

My sons Focus 1.6 Zetec has been diagnosed with one possibly two drive shaft problems. This requires replacing both drive shafts. trouble is ford prices are ridiculous and wondered if anyone knew where we could get non ford drive shafts..and also what we nee to get please ?

Drive shafts, yes....bearings etc ?

[stef123]

My sons Focus 1.6 Zetec has been diagnosed with one possibly two drive shaft problems. This requires replacing both drive shafts. trouble is ford prices are ridiculous and wondered if anyone knew where we could get non ford drive shafts..and also what we nee to get please ?

Drive shafts, yes....bearings etc ?

usually places like eurocarparts does new and recon units.

When replacing drive shafts i would normally replace both the oil seals in the gearbox, these should cost about 3 or 4 quid each from ford. I would also replace the drive shaft nuts or bolts (depending on year of focus)

for example, my old 2001 focus

left and right

[topgazza]

Thanks for that. I took the car to a professional balancing company that do performance cars as well as "ordinary" cars. After several visits to a Ford dealer and a local independent. NONE of them spotted that the N/S shaft moved up and down by 2mm. He showed me the movement and said that the bearing has probably gone. he also said teh O/S was also showing signs of movement and it would be worth replacing both. Sorry for my ignorance but does the drive shaft include everything thats needed to rectify that...I guess bearings ?

I can't see one on the end and not sure what he meant.

[stef123]

Thanks for that. I took the car to a professional balancing company that do performance cars as well as "ordinary" cars. After several visits to a Ford dealer and a local independent. NONE of them spotted that the N/S shaft moved up and down by 2mm. He showed me the movement and said that the bearing has probably gone. he also said teh O/S was also showing signs of movement and it would be worth replacing both. Sorry for my ignorance but does the drive shaft include everything thats needed to rectify that...I guess bearings ?

I can't see one on the end and not sure what he meant.

what year of focus are we talking about?

And i presume you mean the 'wheel bearings' need to be replaced? you will need to buy these seperately. If its a mk1 then the bearings are relatively easy to change but you will need access to a bearing press, the mk2 is a bit different as the hub/bearing is a 1 piece assembly and a bit more of a nightmare to press and a bit more expensive.

[topgazza]

Many apologies for the delay in replying.

Its a 2006 Mk2 for sure. The movement was at the upper end and not the bearing. However sourcing the part has been a nightmare. Plenty of breaker offers but I wouldn't want to risk that. Ford want £400 per drive shaft...and the supply on non OEM parts is negliable because...or so I gather...is because it just about on the cusp of seeing failures...5-6 years. Obviously depending on mileage and abuse.....

The car was a Hertz car for its first year so who knows. Good news is my son has a friend who works for a BMW dealer and gets parts at trade and has found one supplier who can supply new non Ford drive shafts. They have used them before with no problems. Cost is £149 and £140 for driver side. Plan is to change the worst one, near side shaft, see if that fixes the problem. Hopefully it will but if it doesn't then move onto offside and even parts which look and feel OK such as CV joints and wheel bearings. None of those have shown any sign of wear that would cause wheel wobble...but you never know.

My local independant garage is only charging £65 to replace the drive shaft. A bit cheaper than the local Ford dealers £390 First part of the plan will be done next week. I'll post an update

[propw4sh]

Not done a Focus but numerous Rover, Vauxhalls and Peugeots. Usually the new driveshaft will come with both inner and outer CV joints plus any balance weights. Not sure of your exact set up.

It's unusual for a driveshaft to need replacing unless it's bent or the splines are badly damaged; usually the CV joint goes, causing wobble. If the movement is the gearbox end of the shaft, where it actually goes into the box - not the CV joint itself, then the issue could be your Diff/Final drive.

Assuming you have eliminated tyre/wheel damage and balance, other causes of wheel wobble can be:

Brake discs warped

Lower suspension arm balljoints worn

Tie-rod balljoints worn

Wheel bearing worn

[topgazza]

Not done a Focus but numerous Rover, Vauxhalls and Peugeots. Usually the new driveshaft will come with both inner and outer CV joints plus any balance weights. Not sure of your exact set up.

It's unusual for a driveshaft to need replacing unless it's bent or the splines are badly damaged; usually the CV joint goes, causing wobble. If the movement is the gearbox end of the shaft, where it actually goes into the box - not the CV joint itself, then the issue could be your Diff/Final drive.

Assuming you have eliminated tyre/wheel damage and balance, other causes of wheel wobble can be:

Brake discs warped

Lower suspension arm balljoints worn

Tie-rod balljoints worn

Wheel bearing worn

I agree. Its not discs as there is no vibration or brake tugging under braking. We have decided to do the diagnoses one part at a time. They will replace the oil seals and check the CV joints when they do the shaft and the pretty much as your list says we will then go through the list. Reading other posts and sites people that have changed everything can still have the problem which is a worry. Given that the vibration kicks in at 70 and stays after that but reduces slightly after 75 it seems likely that it is a rotational component. Wheels and tyres etc are fine....the saga will continue

[CAR PARTS EXPRESS]

Remember you also have the carrier bearing for the driveshaft.....big bracket supporting the driveshaft with a bearing in the middle

[stef123]

Remember you also have the carrier bearing for the driveshaft.....big bracket supporting the driveshaft with a bearing in the middle

this will only be on the driver side shaft, does it come as part of the shaft?

[topgazza]

Thats an interesting point. My gut instinct would have been a bearing type problem. dynamic Balancing conay that looked at it specialise, of course, in balancing non centric rotations...although not when something has actually worn or is damaged for the obvious reason. I wondered about any bearings. But they are only on the drivers side ? Happy to take recommendations for any parts needed on the passenger side first...I'm thinking I will get them to change the CV joint etc...just because they might as well whilst they are under there. Wheel bearing is Ok apparently.

As I say Plan B will be to do the divers side as well