Lift the back of the car and put it on jackstands. Go underneath the car and use your eyes to check the drive shaft and look at it with regard to whether there are any dents or cracks in the tubing; in the event that there are, then the drive shaft should be changed. See that there is nothing leaking out on the front and back of the driveshaft, leaking at the end where it enters the transmission points to a faulty rear seal, and at the
Differential points to a faulty pinion seal. When inspecting the universal joints, when the vehicle is on a lift, an assistant should turn the rear wheel to turn the driveshaft to ensure the universal joints are working properly, not binding, and have no noise or looseness. The universal joints may also be examined with the driveshaft stationary by holding each side of the joint and trying to twist it; any movement would point to extreme wear and raising up on the driveshaft would also cause movement to be felt in the universal joints. Lastly, make sure that the mounting bolts of the drive shaft at the ends are tight.