- Powertrain = engine + drivetrain.
- Drivetrain = transmission to wheels. Driveline = mostly the parts after the transmission.
- Driveshaft = the tube between transmission/transfer case and a differential.
- FWD cars have CV half shafts instead of a traditional driveshaft.
The terms, from biggest to smallest
- Powertrain: the engine (or motor) plus the drivetrain. Everything that makes and delivers power.
- Drivetrain: everything that carries power from the engine to the wheels: transmission, transfer case, driveshafts, differentials, axles.
- Driveline: often used interchangeably with drivetrain, but in the shop it usually means the parts after the transmission: driveshafts, u-joints, CV joints, differentials and axles.
- Driveshaft (propeller shaft): the spinning tube connecting the transmission or transfer case to a differential.
- Axle / half shaft: the shafts from the differential out to each wheel. On front-wheel-drive cars these are CV axles.
Where the driveshafts are on each drivetrain type
| Type | Where power goes | Driveshafts | Common driveline wear |
|---|---|---|---|
| FWD | Front wheels | None, just CV half shafts | CV joints and boots (clicking when turning) |
| RWD | Rear wheels | One rear shaft (two-piece on long trucks/vans) | U-joints, balance, center bearing |
| AWD | All wheels, automatically | Usually a rear shaft plus front CV half shafts | Rear shaft CV/flex joints, center bearing, transfer unit |
| 4WD | All wheels when engaged, via transfer case | Front and rear shafts | U-joints, CV joints, slip yokes, angles after lifts |
The parts of a driveshaft
- Slip yoke: slides into the transmission or transfer case so the shaft can change length as the suspension moves.
- U-joints: let the shaft turn at an angle. See u-joint series.
- Tube: steel, aluminum or chromoly (carbon fiber also exists). See materials compared.
- Tube / weld yokes: welded into each end of the tube.
- CV (double cardan) joint: two u-joints together for steep angles, common on 4x4s.
- Center support bearing: holds up the middle of a two-piece shaft. See symptoms.
- Pinion yoke or flange: where the shaft connects to the differential.
Which shop do you need?
Transmission problems (slipping, harsh shifts) go to a transmission shop. Clunks, vibration, u-joints, balance, length changes and custom builds go to a driveshaft shop. Gear whine or differential noise goes to a gear/axle specialist. Not sure which one you have? Start with our vibration diagnosis guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is the driveshaft part of the drivetrain?
Yes. The driveshaft is one component of the drivetrain, which also includes the transmission, transfer case, differentials and axles.
Is driveline the same as drivetrain?
They're often used interchangeably. In repair shops, driveline usually refers to the parts after the transmission: driveshafts, joints, differentials and axles.
Do front-wheel-drive cars have a driveshaft?
Not a traditional one. FWD cars send power to the front wheels through CV half shafts (CV axles) coming out of the transaxle.
Is a driveshaft the same as an axle?
No. The driveshaft connects the transmission or transfer case to the differential. The axles (half shafts) connect the differential to the wheels.
Who fixes driveshafts near Edmond, OK?
Drivetrain Industries in Edmond builds, repairs and balances driveshafts for the OKC metro. Call or text (572) 568-1838.