I am looking at buying this accord (98 4 dr lx 5-speed 105k miles) and the guy told me that the driveshaft/axelshaft was broken. it is still driveable and everything. but my question is, how hard is it to brake one of these? Did he go into a ditch or something? Or do they just go out for no reason?

Thanks


Modified by cambopheonix56 at 8:11 PM 3/30/2005

 

It could be actually broken but more likely than not the cv joints are bad. What are the symptoms which lead him to believe they are broken?

 

i am not sure he says it just makes a clicking noise. I drove it a short distance (1 block or so) and I didnt hear anything tho.

 

clicking is an indication of bad cv joints. Axles are cheap. Might be a good chance to get a deal. How much is he selling it for?

 

4400 fixed and 4200 as is

 

If you like to work on your own car, a new (rebuilt) axle is less than $200. If you wanna pay a mechanic to put it in, check around to see if it'll cost you more than $200. If you don't even change your own oil, this isn't a good first-job for you.

Then you're only left with the risk that it might turn into a bigger job. Like maybe bad balljoints along with the bad axle.

Don't run away from the car because of this. But maybe pay a mechanic to look at it with you?