front drive shaft

In British English, the term "drive shaft" is restricted to a transverse shaft that transmits power to the wheels, especially the front wheels. A drive shaft connecting the gearbox to a rear differential is called a propeller shaft, or prop-shaft.

If you're just replacing the drive shaft for your front wheels, then it will cost anywhere from $470 to $940. You can expect the parts cost to be anywhere from $320 to $750, while the labor costs are only around $150 to $190. These prices are just estimates based on a standard economy class car with front-wheel drive.

Most all wheel drive vehicles would suffer damage if you tried to drive without one or more of the drive shafts. ... Four wheel drive systems, where you can lock the front wheels in and out of drive mode, can have their front shaft removed and operate safely in rear wheel drive only.