2010:RX 350 285,000 milesI had a rumbling sound seemed to be coming from the backI needed breaks rotors and calipers, thinking that was the issue ($700) later they discovered the noise coming from the drive shaft and it should be replaced.
I drive a lot, car runs great, doesn't burn oil, taken very good care of, purchased at 60,000 miles.
problems or repairs last year or so. Radiator, fan assembly
Hood latch and everyday maintenance headlights $$$
question being such high mileage should I replace drive shaft?
Thank you.

 

First determine which shaft, realistically which universal joint is the problem. There is no point in replacing things that are not needed with that many miles.
Once the real culprit is found then the question is do I live with it of fix it. Am I willing to take the chance of a breakdown at the wrong time at the wrong place? I personally am a chicken and prefer making the repair at my choice of time and location.
The other issues are do you want to sell as is or call a junk-yard when it brakes? Only you can make that financial decision.

Salim

 

$700 is a lot for brakes but maybe things are that much more expensive in Mass. I hope all 4 wheels were done. Who did this work?
Assuming you have All Wheel Drive and are referring to the main front to rear drive shaft.
They should be able to replace the Universal joints and any mid shaft bearings on the drive shaft. After that many miles, I would expect that a U-joint would wear out!
If you went to a dealer, they were probably lying and overselling what was really needed.
Get an opinion from an independent shop that specializes in Japanese cars or Toyotas. Or even try to find a drive shaft shop, yes there is such a thing, mostly they work on trucks etc.

 

$700 for rear brakes, rotors and calipers and have to cut caliper to get them off... Local repair shop.

 

Too bad, that explains the high cost. Could have been frozen slide pins.

 

Update: drive shaft replaced, been running smooth since
replacement cost $350.

 

Well done.