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Driveshaft rust - Too much?

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Old May 22, 2013 | 02:19 PM
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Default Driveshaft rust - Too much?

Hey everyone. On my "new" Trailblazer, I noticed that both driveshafts are rusted heavily. Especially compared to the Jimmy, which has very minimal surface rust and the labels are still in excellent condition. The CVs up front are also showing signs of rust and peeling. Should these be replaced? I have had flakes and dust coming off when I touch them. I had a GM dealer look at them but they said they are ok. The dealer where I bought it from will not replace them under warranty, especially without an estimate and recommendation that they needs replacement. I just don't want these breaking in half when enough of a load is on them.

The gas filler tube is also rusted and visible in the photo.
 
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Old May 22, 2013 | 03:12 PM
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If it was me I would replace that shaft,It might be able to be cleaned up but it looks bad.Mine was extremely rusted but I got an aluminum one from a chevy truck and had it cut to length of my original then blanced.Cost around $100 to have it done.
 
Old May 25, 2013 | 01:13 AM
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So it really is that bad. So how much should I expect to pay to have both driveshafts replaced? I can't seem to find them on RockAuto or other parts stores. Thanks
 
Old May 25, 2013 | 08:19 AM
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if anything get a wire brush,put it on a drill and clean it up.
 
Old May 25, 2013 | 10:10 AM
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See the link for how I cleaned up my severely rusted drive shaft.

https://blazerforum.com/forum/paint-...leaning-45097/
 
Old May 25, 2013 | 10:22 AM
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That's pretty pitted, but if it was me, I probably wouldn't worry about it. Like chris said, drill, wire brush, and see how much it takes to clean up. If you really want to protect it, take it down, sandblast, and paint it.

Although, I once had a transmission guy tell me that, "you would be scared if you knew how thin those things are". My exhaust had shifted a bit, (in my '73) and under breaking the pipe would rub the drive shaft and make a HORRIBLE noise. There was a shiny clean spot on the shaft, which brought about the conversation.
 
Old May 25, 2013 | 10:33 AM
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You can also try one the sand paper flapper wheels and put on 6 inch grinder if you have one.Where a mask and goggles though or you be eating alot of dust even if its removed.
 
Old Feb 21, 2016 | 05:18 PM
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Originally Posted by 1sttimejimmyowner
If it was me I would replace that shaft,It might be able to be cleaned up but it looks bad.Mine was extremely rusted but I got an aluminum one from a chevy truck and had it cut to length of my original then blanced.Cost around $100 to have it done.
Do you have a specific truck you used to get that shaft from? I have a 2dr 4x4 that has a horribly rusty driveshaft that Id like to replace with an aluminum one. Also where does one get a shaft cut and balanced?
 
Old Feb 21, 2016 | 05:28 PM
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Don't worry, if it ain't broke, don't fix it
 
Old Feb 21, 2016 | 05:57 PM
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If it really bothers you wire wheel it to shiny metal and paint it, 5 bucks worth of paint is better than a couple hundred at least for no reason other than the bragging rights that you have a aluminum driveshaft

If that's the only thing wrong with your blazer you have it made in the shade.

Heck I had a Toyota pickup in my shop that had rust needles heavy enough on it it was like a porcupine, I had blood flowing well before i had it off and cleaned up to replace U joints
 



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