Sudden no drive breakdown

[ShortDrain]

Our 60000 mile 58 plate T5 Cali suddenly lost drive with a bit of a clunk on Friday, just pulling out from a side road. Not ideal, no reverse, nothing forward, but thankfully got help to push back out of harms way. AA didn’t think it was clutch related and couldn’t see anything obviously broken. So towed to a nearby garage and I await their diagnosis. Anyone had similar? Is it likely to be a big job like a gearbox, or something a bit less dramatic/costly?

 

[TripleBee]

 

[ShortDrain]

Thanks. Ah so maybe a drive shaft worn out. Would it just be one to replace or both wheels…to be more sure that one doesn’t go too?

 

[Azteccamper]

I got a feeling the driver side tends to wear quicker and is a relatively common fault (lack of grease?). Did you have any other hints leading up to the failure - shuddering, clunks, etc. ? Not a hugely expensive fix.

 

[Jdorling]

Yep sounds like driveshaft failure, very common on drivers side, something to do with no grease applied when built at factory causes early wear

 

[TripleBee]

If you go for a complete right side axle: €1300.
If you only change the straight axle: € 600.
In both cases you need the part on the gearbox too: €420.
The complete axle is a straight forward job. The straight axle, you have to disconnect the second part of the axle. This involves a bit more work.

 

[jeff]

Definitely sounds like driveshaft had mine replaced 08 t5 55000 miles in 2022. I had just the one side done and everything has been ok.

 

[Jdorling]

my replacement drivers side drive shaft cost me around £400 fitted by my independent

 

[Jef4130]

I agree with the Drive Shaft theory. Had mine go a couple of years ago at 110,000 miles. Apparently its not uncommon. 'Made of toffee' was one comment from my mechanic. Putting too much power down when on left lock is the cause as the spline engagement is at it lowest point. I'm more careful now and wait for larger gaps before pulling out.

 

[ShortDrain]

Garage reports it is the drivers side, and it went when turning left, pulling out onto a main road and with a bit of a heavier load than usual. Not all of these things can we avoid!