Drive shafts:

Drive shafts are dealt with depending where they are and what they do.

If they form part of the suspension i.e if you detached them would the suspension collapse then they get tested for the following:

• are they distorted, damaged or excessively corroded
• is there excessive play in a universal joint

• is a flange bolt loose or inadequately locked

Note that drive shafts which meet this criteria could be at the front or rear of the vehicle.

If the drive shaft is at the front they also get tested for the following:

• Outer joint gaiter missing, split or insecure
• joint excessively worn or insecure
• coupling excessively worn or insecure
• Flexible rubber or fabric coupling severely cracked or breaking up
• Flexible rubber or fabric coupling softened by oil contamination, insecure or fouling other part of vehicle
• Bent or damaged
• Any insecure or fractured fastener securing a drive shaft coupling bearing

Propellor shafts are not tested even where a transmission brake is fitted.