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2007 Drive shaft replacement

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Canon101

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Have a 2007 V6 and wondering about removing the drive shaft.

1. Is it just a bolt on piece? I know there are 4 or 5 bolt on each end but are there any seals or what not I have to worry about when removing?

2. While the shaft is out getting the u-joints replaced (local drive line shop doing this) is it possible to drive the vehicle without damaging anything or should it remain parked?
 
#2 ·
I haven't done it but see no ill effects with just unbolting it. Will have to remove the center mount too.
So the 4WD computer doesn't get confused I recommend unplugging it. Drop the glove box. As I recall it's the module on the right. The other module if there is one for Tire Pressure. Will turn the TP error light on if you disconnect it.
Also, from posts I remember I'm not so sure there's a simple method for fixing bad u-joints.
 
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#3 ·
The simple but expensive way is to replace the drive shaft......but the other method is to bring it to a local drive shaft balancing shop and they will replace the universal joints and re-balance the drive shaft. A friend of mine did that to his Toyota Highlander.
 
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#5 ·
I would just replace whole drive shaft unless you get very cheap deal to fix the joints.

I tried to fix the outer u-joints in my other Toyota but noticed that inner ones are broken too. I ended up buying whole driveshafts from Usa, they were cheaper than the repair kits for outer joint here. Of course it is just aftermarket part and maybe remanufactured but works.

TOYOTA RAV4 NAP GSA33L-CNAGKA | POWERTRAIN-CHASSIS | FRONT DRIVE SHAFT | Japan Parts EU
 
#7 ·
spitmon1 said:
I think this is what you are looking for. The u-joints on this are replaceable, unlike the factory one. Price is 1/2 as well. I bought one for my 2006 and it has worked well.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the info. Should help a lot of owners. I knew there was a issue with the OEM shaft's joints. This statement from the link explains it.
(The) Toyota RAV4 Drive Shaft (is) originally made with a non-replaceable staked in U joint in order to eliminate vibration, compared to a (conventional) circlip design where replaceable U joints are incorporated.
Click to expand...
Looks like they make replacement shafts for many other brands with the same OEM design so it isn't just a Toyota RAV4 issue.
 
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Discussion starter · #9 ·
I have looked at the aftermarket drive shafts a few weeks ago, they do not ship to Canada so I would have to have it shipped into Calais ME. This means with the exchange, and driving down and back, I am into about $800 for the after market shaft. New Toyota one is $950.

I am actually taking the drive shaft out this weekend and bringing it to a drive line shop with is also a machine shop here in town. They will remove the old u-joints and then machine the holes so they can put replaceable joints back in place for about $140 each. They have a great reputation and I guess they also build drive shafts from the ground up, they have quite a good reputation.

I will update with how it works out. Should have it back sometime next week.
 
#10 ·
Canon101 said:
I have looked at the aftermarket drive shafts a few weeks ago, they do not ship to Canada so I would have to have it shipped into Calais ME. This means with the exchange, and driving down and back, I am into about $800 for the after market shaft. New Toyota one is $950.

I am actually taking the drive shaft out this weekend and bringing it to a drive line shop with is also a machine shop here in town. They will remove the old u-joints and then machine the holes so they can put replaceable joints back in place for about $140 each. They have a great reputation and I guess they also build drive shafts from the ground up, they have quite a good reputation.

I will update with how it works out. Should have it back sometime next week.
Click to expand...
Yes.....a drive shaft shop or machine shop can and do replace these non replaceabłe u joints somehow. A friend of mine already had this done....
 
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Discussion starter · #11 ·
Well, had the drive shaft taken out yesterday and dropped in to the Drive line shop to have the u-joint replaced. Will be picking it up today, with the exception of the excessive wheel spin from taking off as if it was an AWD instead of the now FWD, seems to be working fantastic. Looking forward to putting the drive shaft back in tomorrow and having everything back to normal.
 
Discussion starter · #12 · (Edited)
Just waiting to go pick up the drive shaft but the cost to replace the u-joint including machining was $140 plus tax. Very inexpensive compared to the $950 for a new one from Toyota. I ended up getting a shop to remove the drive shaft as it was to tight an area laying on my back in the driveway, 1 hour labor to remove and install. total cost of the bill taxes included is going to be $220....Quoted a total including tax of $1299.50 from the dealer savings of $1080. And they wonder why more and more people are finding other ways to either do the work themselves or find someone else to do it.
 
Discussion starter · #14 ·
Just got the RAV back, wow what a difference. The u-joint fix was a success and is it ever smooth. Just have to unplug the battery for a minute or two tonight to reset the lights on the dash and I should be good to go.....that is until morning when I put new rotors on the back....:D
 
#17 ·
kevcules said:
Yes.....a drive shaft shop or machine shop can and do replace these non replaceabłe u joints somehow. A friend of mine already had this done....
Click to expand...
I have seen people do this at home. Instead of circlips the non-servicable U-joints use a plug. The plug can be ground/cut/drilled out at home with various degrees of success. I would think a driveline shop would be all set up to handle this task.
 
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