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Australia’s vehicles are getting older.
According to the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE), the average vehicle age is now 11.4 years, the highest ever recorded. Utes remain one of the fastest-growing categories, with Toyota alone accounting for more than 1.24 million registered light commercial vehicles nationwide.
In Melbourne, where Hilux, Ranger and Triton utes work hard as daily tools, the impact of this trend is clear. Mechanics are reporting more driveline problems, with tailshaft repairs and balancing now a routine part of servicing older vehicles. At GJ Drivelines, this shift is obvious: what once appeared occasionally is now a steady stream of worn u-joints, fatigued centre bearings, and unbalanced shafts.
Why Tailshaft Repairs Are Increasing
Age and heavy use
As vehicles age, driveline components reach their service limits. Utes carry heavier loads and endure tougher use than most passenger cars, which accelerates wear. Towing trailers, carrying tools, and tackling rough worksites put added stress on tailshafts.
As vehicles age, driveline components reach their service limits. Utes carry heavier loads and endure tougher use than most passenger cars, which accelerates wear. Towing trailers, carrying tools, and tackling rough worksites put added stress on tailshafts.
Common failure points
Tailshaft issues usually build over time:
- Universal joints (u-joints): wear and loosen, causing vibration.
- Centre bearings: collapse, leaving the shaft unsupported.
- Shaft tubes and flanges: fatigue and crack under strain.
- Imbalance: worsens with age or after modifications.
Small problems often snowball into major driveline damage if ignored.
Why Balancing and U-Joint Replacement Are Routine
Balancing for smooth running
Even a slight imbalance in a tailshaft can create vibration at highway speeds. Left untreated, this accelerates wear in bearings, differentials, and gearboxes. Precision tailshaft balancing restores smooth operation and reduces the load on the rest of the driveline.
Even a slight imbalance in a tailshaft can create vibration at highway speeds. Left untreated, this accelerates wear in bearings, differentials, and gearboxes. Precision tailshaft balancing restores smooth operation and reduces the load on the rest of the driveline.
U-joint replacement for reliability
Universal joints are designed to flex, but over time they corrode or dry out. Once they begin to fail, torque transfer becomes uneven and vibration spreads. Replacing worn u-joints early helps prevent major driveline failure.
Universal joints are designed to flex, but over time they corrode or dry out. Once they begin to fail, torque transfer becomes uneven and vibration spreads. Replacing worn u-joints early helps prevent major driveline failure.
At GJ Drivelines, these services are among the most common performed for Melbourne’s utes, particularly those over 10 years old.
Warning Signs of Tailshaft Trouble
Drivers often dismiss early symptoms, but small changes in feel or sound can be critical warning signs.
Look out for:
- Vibration at highway speeds
- Clunks or knocks when accelerating or decelerating
- Rumbling noises that increase with RPM
- Vibration felt through seats or floor panels
- Visible damage or leaking grease underneath
Catching issues early often means a balance or bearing replacement, rather than a full driveline rebuild.
Choosing a Tailshaft Specialist in Melbourne
Tailshaft work is highly specialised. Not every workshop has the tools or expertise to repair, straighten, or balance shafts properly.
A good repairer should offer:
A good repairer should offer:
- Vibration at highway speeds
- Clunks or knocks when accelerating or decelerating
- Rumbling noises that increase with RPM
- Vibration felt through seats or floor panels
- Visible damage or leaking grease underneath
Don’t settle for less than specialist equipment with extensive experience in driveline repairs.
Preventive Maintenance Matters
A well-maintained driveline can last well past 200,000 km, but only with care. To extend tailshaft life:
- Avoid overloading beyond rated limits
- Inspect u-joints and bearings regularly
- Rebalance after modifications like suspension lifts or wheel changes
- Drive smoothly under load
- Keep grease points lubricated where applicable
For Melbourne’s older utes, preventive checks are often the difference between a simple service and an expensive repair.
What does this Mean for Your 4x4 or Ute?
For owners of Hilux, Ranger, Triton, Navara, or any other 4x4, these trends are more than statistics. They reflect the reality of owning a hard-working vehicle in an ageing fleet.
If your ute spends its life towing, hauling, or heading off-road, your tailshaft is under constant strain. Add in the fact that many of these vehicles are now more than a decade old, and driveline repairs become part of responsible ownership.
Ignoring early signs like vibration at highway speeds can lead to sudden breakdowns, expensive gearbox or differential damage. That means lost productivity if the vehicle is used for work. Choosing a specialist like GJ Drivelines ensures that balancing, reconditioning, and component replacement are done correctly, restoring confidence in your vehicle’s reliability.
For Melbourne drivers, the message is simple: don’t wait until it fails. Preventive repair and balancing now can save thousands later.
FAQs About Tailshaft Repairs in Melbourne
Australia’s vehicles are older than ever, with an average age of 11.4 years. Utes that work hard every day are reaching the point where driveline parts wear out.
Balancing ensures the shaft rotates evenly at speed, reducing vibration and preventing wear on other driveline parts.
Warning signs include vibration at highway speeds, knocking sounds when accelerating, and grease leaking from joints.
It is risky. Even mild vibration can quickly escalate into major driveline damage if left unattended.
Yes. Suspension lifts and larger tyres alter driveline angles, increasing stress and the need for regular checks.
It depends on the issue. Balancing and u-joint replacement are usually affordable, while a full rebuild costs more. An inspection is the best way to confirm.
Further Reading
Statistics quoted on this page were sourced from the government Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE): Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE) – Road Vehicles Australia, January 2024
