Driveshaft Nut replacement cost and timescale

[Sheplobsters]

I had a tyre blowout on the motorway a couple of nights ago and the tyre was totally shredded and way beyond my ability to take off (I had been advised at my recent service that I had a few months left but that they needed replacing in the not too distant future). The AA guy has advised the driveshaft nut is replaced asap as they are only for one off use. When I got two new front tyres from a local and well regarded independent tyre specialist the guy replacing them said there was no nut on the other front wheel/tyre and did not feel there was an issue but that I should get it checked out by an independent garage rather than the dealership. Have rang my local garage and they had no idea what the driveshaft nut was and tried to get through to two different Skoda dealerships to check costs etc without any joy. Have booked in with a garage I have used before on Friday (the earliest they can fit me in). Just wondering how urgent the replacement of the driveshaft nut is and what cost I can expect for one (or both if both needed) if anyone knows (they look quite cheap via Ebay). Thanks in advance.

[SuperbTWM]

I'm not surprised your local garage had no idea what you were talking about because neither do I.

 

To make this simple to understand, forget whether you may or may not have a nut on your driveshaft (some have a bolt, some have a nut). To take a wheel off you don't touch anything bar the nuts or bolts holding the wheel on so I'm not sure which nut he is on about unless he removed the track rod ball joint from the hub maybe for some reason and thats the nut he was talking about??

 

 

 

 

[Sheplobsters]

Yeah I don't think anyone in 3 garages was familiar with the terminology he used  so your response and comment is not surprising. Seems to be known as the Driveshaft axle or Double Hexagon Nut when I did some research. Having looked online again it was these: 

 

New Genuine VW Fox Polo Skoda Fabia Driveshaft Double Hexagon Nut 6Q0407396C | eBay

 

Drive Shaft Axle Nut Front Fits SKODA AUDI VW Fabia I Combi Praktik 6E0407395A | eBay

 

It was gone 11 p.m. and I didn't get home till 2 a.m. so hard to remember the detail of what he said (which was quite a lot!) but I have the paperwork and he was adamant I get it replaced so I will just get it/them replaced on Friday as it looks quite straightforward.   Cheers for prompt response. 

[Breezy_Pete]

I think the part number you really need is 6Q0 407 396 B, £8.71 from Skoda dealers or maybe a little less from TPS.

Your first link says the part is suitable for cars without power steering, which I doubt applies to yours, the second link is for a style of driveshaft nut only used in early mk1 Fabias about 20 years ago, or more, I believe.

If you really do have one of these missing I would recommend getting one fitted very urgently, preferably before the car is driven.

 

Wheel removal/refitting during a tyre replacement would not involve this nut, just the wheel bolts.

 

If you can't find a local dealer with one in stock, this ebay seller seems to virtually always manage next day delivery - Genuine VW Audi Wheel Hub Axle Nut 6Q0407396B Polo A1 A2 Skoda Fabia Seat Ibiza | eBay

Edited 31 May, 2023 by Breezy_Pete
ebay link

[StevesTruck]

Seems a bit of a strange one. Did he have to take the wheel hub out to remove tyre debris or something?

[J.R.]

6 hours ago, Breezy_Pete said:

If you really do have one of these missing I would recommend getting one fitted very urgently, preferably before the car is driven.

 

I second that.

 

Sheplobsters. Forget what the RAC guy or tyre fitters may or may not have said, use your MK1 eyeballs and decide for yourself whether one or both driveshafts are missing the retainig nut or bolt, you simply remove the wheel centre cap and look inside.

 

If missing then do not drive the car even 6 inches.

Edited 31 May, 2023 by J.R.

[Sheplobsters]

Thanks for all the comments folks and apologies for not responding sooner: it's been a very busy day.

 

I think it has clarified for me some of the things that happened: as three of you have suggested he did take the wheel hub out as there was quite a lot of debris and generally a shredded mess. It was at this point he started saying about the (potential) single use nature of the driveshaft/axle nut. However he also said it looked fine and was safe to drive at a lower speed for the remainder of the journey but to be safe I should get it looked at and checked when I got home.

 

Having done some research based on the responses you gave I came to this which I think is a good overview and helps me understand the situation even more comprehensively:

 

Can You Reuse Axle Nuts, Or Are They Single Use Only? - Car, Truck And Vehicle How To Guides - Vehicle Freak

 

So in essence it is not missing but needs checking to see if it needs replacing and I will get this sorted.

 

Breezy Pete: these were just examples rather than what I would actually buy 9but thanks I now know what is needed specifically:))

 

Thanks again for all the responses: i now have a much clearer idea of what has happened

 

I have found this site and its forums excellent for 3 different things now!

 

Cheers, Paul.