Driveshaft repair and replacement workshop

Car and van owners, small fleets, tradespeople with work vans, and independent garages that prefer to pass on drivetrain jobs.

Labour charged per job or per hour, plus a margin on parts. Trade work for local garages gives steadier volume, and reconditioning shafts can add extra margin.

• Vehicle mechanical repair experience
• Diagnosing noises and vibrations
• Using a vehicle lift and workshop tools
• Sourcing parts and dealing with suppliers

• Garage liability and public liability insurance, plus cover for customers' vehicles in your care
• Check planning use class and lease terms for a vehicle workshop with your council and landlord
• Rules on waste oil, grease and old parts: check what waste registration and disposal you need
• Safe lifting and working under vehicles, make sure equipment is inspected and certified
• Faulty fitting can be a safety risk, so keep records and offer clear warranty terms

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £35,000, depending on the unit, lift, tools and parts stock you need. Insurance and workshop set-up are worth pricing before you commit to a lease.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue of typically around £3,000 to £14,000, depending on job volume, pricing and whether you also supply parts to other garages. It is a full-time business, starting at around 35 hours a week.

Check garage liability and public liability insurance, including cover for customers' vehicles. Also check planning use class and lease terms with your council and landlord, waste oil and parts disposal rules, equipment inspection and certification, and warranty terms.