4X4 driveshaft broke off while driving 65 mph now will not turn over or start

Tiny
TIFFANYANN2835
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 INFINITI QX4
  • 3.3L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 233,435 MILES
I was driving down the highway at 65 70 miles an hour. I hear a loud thunder and it vibrates really hard. And then I hear boom boom boom. I felt something break off and hit the bottom of my car. My floor mat/board is raised up. I get out the car is still running once I pull off to side of the road I look under neath it and transmission fluid is pouring out. I finally get help. Mind you this is at 11:30 at night. I left my flashers on come back 2 days later, of course I knew my battery would be dead. We try to jump and nothing but the alarm and no power. It has been two weeks. I am going crazy. Please help. It was my 4x4 driveshaft that broke off is what i'm being told. Still no crank or start and no power.
Monday, February 10th, 2020 AT 5:06 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,644 POSTS
Hi,

Are you referring to the driveshaft going to the rear differential? Have you checked to see if anything has been disconnected as far as wiring from the incident? I assume the battery has been recharged. Does anything work?

Let me know.
Joe
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Monday, February 10th, 2020 AT 6:24 PM
Tiny
TIFFANYANN2835
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
It has got the yolk in the middle and it broke off at the joint at the back end of transmission. I do not know what to look for. We don't if it might also be anti theft system because the alarm will blare but with no power.
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Sunday, February 16th, 2020 AT 2:31 PM
Tiny
TIFFANYANN2835
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I got told it was the 4x4 driveshaft.
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Sunday, February 16th, 2020 AT 2:31 PM
Tiny
TIFFANYANN2835
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
It also taco'ed (if that is such a word) my muffler right there.
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Sunday, February 16th, 2020 AT 2:33 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,644 POSTS
Hi,

I attached a pic of the rear drive shaft. Can you tell me which part broke? I indicated F and R for front and rear. Let me know. Also, if it is possible, can you take pics of the damage so I can see exactly what you are dealing with?

Also, the shift cable on the transmission may have been damaged and the vehicle doesn't realize it is in park or neutral. The linkage is on the left side of the transmission and there is a cable to it. Check it as well as try to start it in neutral or other gear. Just make sure to keep your foot on the brake.

Pic 2 is the best pic I could find where the shift cable attaches on the transmission shift linkage. I hope it helps.

Let me know.

Joe
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Sunday, February 16th, 2020 AT 6:46 PM

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