Parts for your 2001 Ford Falcon-Driveshafts

2001 Ford Falcon driveshafts (tailshaft) — what they do and how to look after them

Based on the Ford Falcon AU Series Workshop Manual, the Ford Australia Owner’s Manual for the 2001 Falcon, and Gregory’s Service and Repair Manual (AU Series 1998–2002), the 2001 Ford Falcon is rear‑wheel drive and uses a propeller shaft — commonly called the tailshaft in Australia — to send power from the gearbox to the rear differential. So yes, driveshafts are relevant to this model. On IRS-equipped variants, there are also short rear driveshafts (CV half‑shafts) from the diff to each wheel, live‑axle models rely on the tailshaft and solid axle shafts inside the housing.

The tailshaft’s job is simple but critical: it carries torque smoothly while the suspension and drivetrain move around. Universal joints (or a CV coupling, depending on variant) allow for angle changes, and a centre support bearing may be fitted on longer wheelbase versions. If any of these wear out or go out of balance, the Falcon can develop shudders, clunks, or high‑speed vibrations that feel like tyre issues but aren’t.

As part of routine servicing, it pays to give the driveshafts a once‑over every 10,000–15,000 kilometres or at each service interval:

• Check the uni joints/CV joints for play, binding, or split boots.
• Inspect the centre bearing (if fitted) for perished rubber or rumbling.
• Look for sling marks from flung grease, missing balance weights, or dents in the tube.
• Verify flange bolts are tight and not fretting, watch for leaks at the rear gearbox seal and diff pinion.

When replacing or removing the tailshaft, a few workshop‑friendly habits help keep things sweet:

1. Mark the shaft and flanges before removal to preserve orientation and balance.
2. Support the gearbox if the shaft is slid out, avoid nicking the seal.
3. Replace worn uni joints/CV couplings and the centre bearing as a set if there’s any doubt.
4. Have the shaft dynamically balanced by a driveline specialist after any joint or tube work.

A healthy Falcon driveline should be quiet and smooth at all speeds. If the car is lowered or used for towing, it’s worth checking driveline angles and mounts more often. For IRS variants, keep an eye on CV boots, for live‑axle cars, focus on uni joints and the pinion seal. Catching wear early saves tyres, diff bushes, and fuel — and keeps the big Aussie six feeling right.

Does a 2001 Ford Falcon have driveshafts?

Yes. Every 2001 Falcon runs a tailshaft (propeller shaft) from the transmission to the rear differential. On models with independent rear suspension, there are also short CV half‑shafts to each wheel. Factory manuals for the AU Series confirm this rear‑wheel drive layout and driveline hardware.

How long do uni joints and the centre bearing typically last?

On a well‑maintained AU‑series Falcon, uni joints and the centre bearing can last 150,000–250,000 kilometres, sometimes more. Heavy towing, rough roads, driveline angle changes from lowering, or fluid leaks onto the rubber can shorten their life. If there’s vibration on take‑off or a clunk engaging gear, it’s time to inspect.

What causes highway‑speed vibration and how is it fixed?

Common culprits are a dry or loose uni joint, a failing centre bearing, a bent or out‑of‑balance tailshaft, or missing balance weights. After ruling out tyres and wheels, check the tailshaft for play and damage. Replace worn joints/bearing and have the shaft balanced, correct torque on flange bolts and fresh gearbox/diff seals help keep things smooth.