Does Your Vehicle Need A Driveline Repair?
Whether your car is old or new, you rely on it to get you where you need to go. Maybe you've noticed that something isn't right, or perhaps your passengers have felt some shudders, vibrations, and other weird sensations coming from your car. If you suspect that your driveline or driveshaft is on the fritz, here are some signs to look for that will let you know if a repair is in order.
What is the driveline and why is it important?
The driveline in your car is composed of multiple components and parts that make up what's known as the drivetrain. It includes the driveshaft, wheels and axles, and the differentials and joints. Collectively, they work as a team to control your car or truck, specifically, the steering. So if you want to be in control of where you go, it's important to have a fully functioning driveline.
In a rear-wheel drive vehicle, the driveshaft runs from the transmission in the front to the differential in the rear. In a front-wheel drive, all of the driveshaft parts are located in the front of the car and contain CV joints. And lastly, a 4-wheel drive vehicle has a combination of a rear-wheel setup along with a front driveshaft that's connected with U-joints.
How do you know something's wrong with your driveline?
If you're having issues with your driveline or driveshaft, there are usually not-so-subtle signs. But some of those signs can mimic other issues, so it's important to distinguish them from other potential problems.
1. Trouble steering. This is a common indicator that you're having problems with your driveshaft. As you turn a corner, you may notice that the wheels tend to hesitate. When making a sharp turn or attempting a U-turn, you might also feel some resistance. And lastly, parking in small, tight spaces may suddenly seem more challenging.
2. Vibrations. When the U-joints or bushings start to wear out, the integrity of your driveshaft becomes threatened, and you may start to notice vibrations coming from underneath the vehicle. Unfortunately, vibrations can also be felt if the wheels are out of balance or off-center. It could also mean there's a problem with the shocks, suspension, or tire rims.
So how do you know if it's an issue with the driveline? First off, issues with the driveline that manifest as vibrations are more common in rear-wheel drive vehicles. If you have a front-wheel drive, you're not likely to feel vibrations with a driveshaft problem, so there's probably something else going on.
If the vibrations are only felt at higher speeds of 60-70 mph, or during certain weather conditions, they're likely due to something else like a rim problem or an out-of-balanced tire.
If you have rear-wheel drive, and vibrations are present at any speed and under all conditions, it's probably a driveshaft issue, and it's important to get your car inspected so that repairs can be made. Ignoring this issue can cause further wearing down of the drivetrain components.
3. Unusual noises. There are several different sounds that can indicate a problem with the driveshaft. Knocking or clunking noises when shifting the car into gear is one sign that the driveshaft is damaged. if you hear squeaking, it likely means the U-joint needs some grease. And a clicking sound is the first sign that a CV joint is either wearing out or starting to fail.
4. Shuddering. Unlike a vibration that's felt continuously, shuddering may be felt as you accelerate or decelerate. This typically indicates a problem with the U-joint--one of the components of a driveshaft.
If your car displays any of the above symptoms, you should have it checked by professionals at shops like Godfrey Brake Service & Supply. If the driveshaft were to come loose altogether, you could quickly lose control of your vehicle, creating hazardous conditions for you, your passengers, and anyone around you.
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