Driveshafts & Parts
About Driveshafts & Parts
A driveshaft, also called a propeller shaft, carries power from the transmission to the front or rear differential on a four-wheel-drive UTV or ATV. A clunk when you take off, a vibration at speed or a squeak from a U-joint are the usual reasons riders replace parts of one.
Listings include complete propeller shafts, front drive shafts, yoke shafts with the U-joint, U-joint kits and driveshaft bearings. Models seen here include the Polaris Ranger, Big Boss and Sportsman, Kawasaki Mule and Prairie, and kits listed for Honda, Textron, Arctic Cat, Suzuki, Yamaha, Can-Am, CF Moto and John Deere machines. If only the joint is worn and the shaft and yokes are in good shape, a U-joint kit costs much less than a whole shaft. Pick the kit or shaft listed for your machine and position.
Brands in this category include EPI, All Balls and Moose Offroad. Other drive parts are in Final Drive Belts & Chains, Sprockets and Guards & Guides. The group is Final & Primary Drive Parts & Kits. Pick your machine in the Ride Finder at the top of the page to see parts made for it.
FAQs on UTV and ATV driveshafts
What does a worn U-joint sound like?
A clunk or click when you take off or change direction, a squeak that follows wheel speed, or a vibration at speed. With the shaft off, a worn U-joint feels loose or rough when turned by hand. Replace it before it fails and drops the shaft.
Can I replace a U-joint without replacing the whole shaft?
Often yes, if the shaft and yokes are straight and undamaged. A kit has the cross and bearings. Removing a U-joint usually needs a press or a vise and snap-ring pliers. Some shafts use joints that are not meant to be serviced, so check.
Do U-joints need grease?
Some have a grease fitting and need greasing at the interval in your manual, while sealed joints do not. Look for a fitting on the joint. Use the grease type the manual specifies, and do not overfill.
What does a driveshaft support bearing do?
It holds the shaft in line where it passes through the frame or a mounting point, so the shaft spins true. A worn bearing causes vibration or noise. Use the bearing assembly listed for your model, because mounts and sizes differ.
