Parts for your 1999 Ford Falcon-Driveshafts

1999 Ford Falcon driveshafts

Driveshafts are absolutely used on the 1999 Ford Falcon. Technical sources including the Ford AU Falcon Workshop Manual, Ellery’s Repair Manual for Ford Falcon AU 1998–2002, and Gregory’s Service and Repair Manual No. 273 describe the AU-series Falcon (1998–2002) as rear-wheel drive with a tailshaft (propeller shaft) linking the gearbox to the rear differential. Many sedans use a one-piece tailshaft, while wagons, utes and long-wheelbase variants often run a two-piece tailshaft with a centre bearing. Models fitted with independent rear suspension (IRS) also have short driveshaft half-shafts with CV joints between the diff and rear hubs.

On a 1999 Ford Falcon, the driveshaft’s job is to send torque from the transmission to the rear wheels smoothly and reliably. It needs to stay perfectly balanced and correctly “phased” so there’s no vibration through the floor. Universal joints (or CVs on some variants) allow the shaft to articulate with suspension movement, and the centre bearing (where fitted) supports a two-piece shaft at speed.

When it comes to servicing, a quick tailshaft check is a smart addition at every major service or tyre rotation interval. They’ll want to look for play in the uni joints, torn CV boots on IRS half-shafts, a cracked centre bearing rubber, slung grease, rust stains at the yokes, and any witness marks from road strikes. A road test for shudder on take-off, clunks on throttle changes, and a steady-speed vibration (usually 80–110 km/h) helps pinpoint issues.

• Common symptoms: clunk on shift or take-off, droning/rumbling under load, shudder leaving the lights, vibration at highway kays, and grease leaking from caps or boots.
• Service tips: mark flange positions before removal, keep the shaft in phase, use fresh flange bolts with threadlocker where specified, and check gearbox output and diff pinion seals for weeps.

Replacement is straightforward with the right gear: press out tired uni joints, fit quality replacements (greasable or sealed), renew the centre bearing if the rubber has sagged or split, and have the tailshaft balanced by a driveline shop. On lowered Falcons, correcting pinion angle can cure stubborn vibrations. For IRS cars, replace any split CV boots promptly to save the joints. Building these checks into regular servicing every 20,000–40,000 kilometres keeps a 1999 Falcon smooth, quiet and happy on Aussie and Kiwi roads.

How can they tell if a 1999 Falcon’s tailshaft is worn?

Look for clunks on take-off, a steady-speed vibration, or shudder off the line. Underneath, check for loose uni joints, a sagged centre bearing, and any grease slung from caps or torn CV boots on IRS half-shafts.

Is the 1999 Falcon tailshaft one-piece or two-piece?

Most sedans run a one-piece tailshaft. Wagons, utes and long-wheelbase models commonly use a two-piece shaft with a centre bearing. Either way, correct phasing and balance are crucial.

Should the tailshaft be balanced after replacing uni joints?

Yes, if there’s any new vibration or if the shaft has been apart, balancing by a driveline specialist is cheap insurance for a smooth, long-lasting result.