here is my issue - the Driveshaft places near me specialize in just balance, repair, and manufacturing the driveshafts. They don't have the lifts, or the proper insurance to do all of that and the actual repair as well. They work directly with mechanics.
If I or a mechanic take off the driveshaft and take it to an expert then Kia is going to point the finger at me...I'm all about expert reports but I'm having trouble getting an expert to properly inspect said issue without voiding my warranty.
In conclusion - if Kia never agrees to remove that driveshaft (and they are the only ones that can), I will have to live with the problem which is nuts! Possibly not being able to get it fixed or get an expert to analyze it...talk about a racket!
How will Kia know the drive shaft has been removed, unless you tell them? (put match marks on it first, remove it, test it, replace it using the match marks, erase the match marks)
If you have it tested and its not the cause, you have eliminated a possible cause and can now concentrate on other possible causes!!
If it is the vibration cause, go to KIA and tell them you want the driveshaft tested, don't tell them you already know what the result will be. If they refuse write them a letter informing them that if they do not test the drive shaft you will have it tested by a 3rd party, request a reply to your letter within 2 weeks, state in the letter failure to reply to your letter is equivalent to refusing to test the drive shaft. Send the letter using Certified Mail Return Receipt Requested, this gives you a receipt showing they received and signed for the letter.
If they decide to test great, they should achieve the same result as the 3rd party and the issue should be resolved; if they don't test - take them to small claims court, bring the letter, the returned receipt, and most importantly the 3rd party tester or an affidavit from the 3rd party tester stating his expertise and the results of the experts drive shaft test (i.e. unbalanced or bent or whatever is causing the vibration.)
In small claims sue for cost of repair if it is completed by the 3rd party, the 3rd party testing costs, court filing fees, and anything else directly related to resolving the issue.
This is a shitty pain in the ass way to do things but living with it is not the correct answer. I have found certified letters gets attention, usually because the receiver knows it means a record that can be used in court was created.
Remember the dealer is a business, buying the car was a business contract and the warranty is part of that contract. If you give the dealer "provable" notice (the letter) and they don't perform they have violated the warranty part of the contract and you have the right to a remedy. Bottom line - this is business contract dispute, and remedies are available outside the dealership if necessary.
Hopefully they respond to the letter and resolve the issue.