A driveshaft is responsible for transferring Front Drive Shaft engine electrical power from the transmission to the differential and onto the drive wheels. A driveshaft can be a couple of pieces with a center support bearing in the centre. There will be universal joints at either end of the driveshaft which become flex joints that permit the differential to move upward when the car contacts a bump. A the front driveshaft yoke can be used to hook up to the transmission while a rear driveshaft flange can be used to hook up to the differential. On old models the trunk U joint bolts right to the differential without by using a rear flange. On entrance wheel drive vehicles there are two travel shafts which are referred to as CV axles.
Driveshaft themselves have hardly any issues with the exception of becoming bent if they come in contact with an obstruction. On the other hand the U joints could cause problems which are a part of the driveshaft such as chirping and clucking when the automobile is moving or placed into gear.
Something you need to know that might not exactly be thought of is when a driveshaft is taken off the car will no longer be in park. The automobile will roll since the link between the drive wheels and transmitting is taken off. You will need to raise the car up using a floor jack and jackstays. Wear protective eyewear and gloves before starting.
Indicate the driveshaft orientation before beginning. This will help returning the driveshaft to its classic situation on the differential that may help avoid driveline vibrations after the driveshaft is reinstalled.
Using a plastic hammer carefully shock the driveshaft loose by the differential flange simply by striking the rear yoke (U joint install). At this time the back 50 % of the shaft will always be free so keep hold of it. On some cars you will see a centre support which should be undone by taking out the two center support mounting bolts. When removing an older vehicle drive shaft apply electric tape to wrap around the u joint cups and so they don’t really fall off and release the cup needle bearings.

On front wheel drive cars the driveshaft isn’t used. The transmission and differential is mixed into one unit called a transaxle.

All shafts are reassembled with new universal joints and CV centering kits with grease fittings and are then completely greased with the proper lubricant. All shafts happen to be straightened and pc balanced and analyzed to closer tolerances than OEM features.
The drive shaft is the part on the low correct side of the picture. The different end of it would be linked to the transmission.