A driveshaft is accountable for transferring engine electric power from the tranny to the differential and onto the travel wheels. A driveshaft can be one or two pieces with a middle support bearing in the centre. There are universal joints at either end of the driveshaft which become flex joints that permit the differential to go upward when the car contacts a bump. A front side driveshaft yoke can be used to hook up to the tranny while a rear driveshaft flange is used to connect to the differential. On older models the rear U joint bolts right to the differential without using a rear flange. On front wheel drive automobiles there are two drive shafts which are called CV axles.
Driveshaft themselves have very little problems with the exception of becoming bent if they come in contact with an obstruction. However the U joints can cause challenges which are part of the driveshaft such as chirping and clucking when the car is moving or put into gear.
Something you Front Drive Shaft should know that may not be thought of is whenever a driveshaft is removed the car will no longer maintain park. The automobile 
will roll since the link between your drive wheels and transmitting is taken out. You need to raise the car or truck up using a flooring jack and jackstays. Put on protective eyewear and gloves before you begin.
Mark the driveshaft orientation before beginning. This will help return the driveshaft to its unique location on the differential that may help avoid driveline vibrations after the driveshaft is reinstalled.
Utilizing a plastic hammer delicately shock the driveshaft loose right from the differential flange by striking the rear yoke (U joint install). At this stage the back one half of the shaft will become free so keep hold of it. On some automobiles you will have a middle support which should be undone by taking out the two center support installation bolts. When removing a mature vehicle drive shaft employ electrical tape to wrap around the u joint cups thus they don’t really fall off and release the cup needle bearings.
On front wheel travel cars the driveshaft isn’t used. The transmission and differential is put together into one unit called a transaxle.
All shafts are reassembled with fresh 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 computer balanced and tested to closer tolerances than OEM specs.
The drive shaft is the part on the lower right side of the picture. The different end of it would be linked to the transmission.