Parts for your 1997 Ford Falcon-Driveshafts

1997 Ford Falcon driveshafts (tailshaft): purpose, care and when to replace

Technical sources confirm the 1997 Ford Falcon (EL series) is rear‑wheel drive and fitted with a driveshaft assembly. Ford’s EL Falcon Workshop Manual, Gregory’s Service &, Repair Manual for EF–EL (1994–1998), and Ford’s Microcat parts catalogue all list a tailshaft (propeller shaft), universal joints and a centre support bearing for these models. Higher‑spec variants with optional IRS also use rear half‑shafts. So yes—driveshafts are very much part of a 1997 Falcon’s drivetrain.

On this model, the tailshaft transfers torque from the gearbox to the rear differential. It typically uses two universal joints and, on many sedans and wagons, a two‑piece design with a centre bearing to keep things smooth under load. If the car has IRS, there are also short driveshafts (half‑shafts) from the diff to the rear hubs.

What does that mean for maintenance? Keep an ear and feel out for vibration on acceleration, a metallic clunk on take‑up, or a droning noise at highway speeds—classic signs of worn uni joints or a tired centre bearing. Split or perished bearing rubbers, excessive play in the uni joints, or grease leakage are all red flags. Any tailshaft that’s been removed should be reinstalled with its factory alignment marks matched to avoid balance issues.

• Service tips: inspect uni joints and the centre bearing at regular service intervals (every 20,000–30,000 km works well), check for play and roughness, and replace any dried or cracked dust seals.
• Replacement advice: if a uni joint binds or has noticeable free play, replace it in pairs and have the shaft balanced. A noisy centre bearing calls for a new bearing and support rubber. Always torque flange bolts correctly and use new hardware where specified.
• Driving symptoms not to ignore: shudder under load, thumping on gear changes, or a cyclic vibration that changes with road speed.

Because the Falcon’s tailshaft is a precision balanced bit of kit, any knocks from kerbs, off‑road bangs, or improper jacking can bend it. If there’s doubt, a driveline specialist can check run‑out and balance. Look after it and the EL’s driveshafts will handle Aussie and Kiwi kilometres without a fuss.

Popular questions about 1997 Ford Falcon driveshafts

Is the 1997 Falcon’s tailshaft one‑piece or two‑piece?
Most EL sedans and wagons run a two‑piece tailshaft with a centre support bearing for smoothness. Utes may vary by spec. Optional IRS variants also add rear half‑shafts from the diff to the hubs, but the main tailshaft is still present.

What are the signs the centre bearing or uni joints are worn?
Common giveaways include a shudder on take‑off, a rhythmic vibration at 80–110 km/h, or a clunk when selecting drive. Underneath, you might spot cracked bearing rubber, rusty powder around a uni joint cap, or noticeable play when twisting the shaft by hand.

Can they keep driving with a vibrating tailshaft?
Best not. Continued driving can accelerate wear in the uni joints, flog out the centre bearing, and even damage the gearbox extension housing or differential pinion bearings. It’s safer (and cheaper long‑term) to diagnose and fix it promptly.