The driveshaft’s not something most people think about. But when it starts to go, you’ll feel it — usually before you see it.
Here’s how to tell if it’s giving up.
Vibration That Shouldn’t Be There
So you’re driving, and there’s this low buzz under your feet. Might be light at first, but then it picks up as you accelerate. Doesn’t feel right, does it? Could be the driveshaft. Or more specifically, the U-joints or the support bearing starting to wear.
The Volkswagen Passat usually runs smooth. If you’re feeling something off in the floor, don’t ignore it.
Clunking When You Change Gear
You hear a knock or a clunk when going from reverse to drive — or sometimes even between gears. Annoying, yeah, but it’s more than that. It’s probably the CV joints or U-joints wearing out.
Metal’s not meant to hit metal like that. Eventually something’s gonna snap if left too long.
Steering Feels Off
You’re turning and it feels rough. Not exactly stiff, but there’s resistance or some weird lag. That can be the CV joints struggling to keep up. They’re meant to flex as the suspension moves — when they don’t, steering gets a bit sketchy.
Not something to mess around with.
Acceleration Feels Like It’s Catching
From a stop, if the car jerks or shudders when you put your foot down, it might not be the gearbox. A worn support bearing or a badly balanced shaft can do that.
Passat’s DSG gearbox is usually quick and clean. If it’s hesitating, something’s off.
There’s Grease or Rust Where There Shouldn’t Be
If you’ve had a look underneath — maybe during a tyre change or service — check the driveshaft. Rust? Grease flung around? Torn CV boots?
Any of those = trouble coming. Especially if the boots are ripped — dirt gets in, grease leaks out. Those joints won’t last long like that.
That Weird Thump That Follows You
Speed up and you hear a sort of rhythmic thud? Like a tyre’s flat but it’s not? That can be the driveshaft too — maybe bent, maybe just out of balance.
People often think it’s the tyres or wheels. But if those have been checked and the noise is still there, time to look further back.
What Knackers a Driveshaft?
Loads of stuff:
- Just mileage. Things wear out.
- Hitting potholes or kerbs too hard.
- Ignoring ripped boots or dry joints.
- Driving hard — launching it, towing, rough shifts.
Should You Replace It?
If it’s on the way out — yeah. Don’t hang about. It won’t get better on its own. Most last a good while, but not forever. And once it fails, you’re not going anywhere. Power won’t get to the wheels. Full stop.
If your Passat’s doing any of the stuff above, get it checked. VW driveshaft problems aren’t subtle for long. They get noisy, messy, and expensive fast.
Take it to someone who knows what they’re looking at — and not just some random garage guessing. Could save you a lot of time and hassle later.
