What is the drive shaft fault on a Ford Focus?

Drive Shaft Fault on a Ford Focus
The drive shaft fault on a Ford Focus refers to a mechanical defect that affects the halfshafts responsible for driving the front wheels. This fault can potentially cause a failure when accelerating from a standing start, leading to a loss of power to the front wheels and rendering the vehicle immobile. The fault was discovered in certain Ford Focus vehicles built between May 21, 2013, and January 24, 2014.
If a drive shaft fault occurs, it is recommended to have the affected parts replaced immediately. Ford Australia has issued a recall notice for the affected vehicles, and owners will be contacted by mail to arrange for replacement. Until the recall is complete, owners are advised to avoid aggressive acceleration on take-off.
To troubleshoot a drive shaft fault on a Ford Focus, you can visually inspect the CV boots (also known as Constant Velocity boots) for rips or tears. These boots protect the CV joints from damage, and if they rip or come apart from the shaft, it can lead to drive shaft failure. Inside the boot is axle grease, which lubricates the joints.
It’s important to note that not all Ford Focus vehicles are guaranteed to have drive shaft faults. However, if you experience symptoms such as shuddering, hesitation while downshifting or accelerating, stalling, slipping, bucking, jerking, or premature internal wear, it may be worth having the clutch, transmission software calibration, and input shaft seals checked.
If you suspect a drive shaft issue, it is recommended to have a professional mechanic inspect and diagnose the problem. They will be able to provide a more accurate assessment and recommend the appropriate course of action.
I hope this information helps! Let me know if you have any further questions.

Can I drive my car with a bad drive shaft?

First up, drive shafts with wear and tear could give out without notice – very scary stuff! Just imagine, you’re cruising along, and suddenly your beloved car grinds to a halt or worse! It could cause a total loss of power and, in the worst scenario, even make your wheels seize up.

Can I drive with bad drive shaft?

If you are in a city or street drive limit, it is safer to continue driving for a few miles on a broken drive shaft, but doing so on a highway is completely risky. However, this should only be done to pull your car off the road, park it, and contact a tow truck.

Can you drive with a bad drive shaft?

The answer is simple your car will stop driving. This shouldn’t sound strange to you as the broken shaft is what keeps your vehicle. Going however certain factors play a role in this for instance

What are the symptoms of a faulty drive shaft?

Signs of a bad driveshaft/drivetrain

• Vibrations from under the vehicle. A common symptom of a failing driveshaft is an intense shaking coming from underneath the vehicle.
• Difficulty turning.
• Loud clunking noise.
• Car shudders upon acceleration.
• Squeaking noise.
• Clicking or knocking noise.

What happens when drive shaft fails?

When the drive shaft breaks, the power from the engine can no longer reach the wheels, resulting in a loss of propulsion. Your vehicle may suddenly lose speed and become difficult to accelerate, making it challenging to maintain control.

Is a drive shaft easy to fix?

Changing a drive shaft is actually a simple task that a home mechanic can undertake without too much trepidation. It’s just a case of being thorough, being safe, and of course having your trusty Haynes Manual to hand.

How much does it cost to replace drive shaft?

If you just have to replace it, that would be anywhere from $500 to $1000. However, you can also expect the cost of the parts to be around half that number and the labor costs around $200. So even for a simple repair, you can end up with around $1500-$1700 invested in the Drive Shaft Repair process.

How much does it cost to fix a drive shaft?

If you just have to replace it, that would be anywhere from $500 to $1000. However, you can also expect the cost of the parts to be around half that number and the labor costs around $200. So even for a simple repair, you can end up with around $1500-$1700 invested in the Drive Shaft Repair process.

What causes the drive shaft to malfunction?

Often the rubber boot that protects the joints in the front axles deteriorates or gets a rip that allows dirt and road grime to destroy the fittings in the front drive shafts. With normal driving, wear of one of it’s joints, either the inboard one, or the CV joint at the road wheel , causes failure.

What is the drive shaft problem on the Ford Focus?

Ford reports that the shafts in the small Focus “may not meet specification”, potentially causing a failure when accelerating from a standing start. If a fault occurs, the vehicle will be rendered immobile, which could pose a hazard to the occupants and other road users.