What is a Drive Shaft?
A drive shaft is essentially a long rod that is designed to transmit torque from the output shaft of the transmission to the rear differential in a rear wheel drive, four wheel drive, or all wheel drive vehicle.
A drive shaft will often have internal splines on the end that connects to the transmission and a universal joint (U-joint) on the end that connects to the differential.
In the case of a four wheel drive or all wheel drive vehicle, you may find that it actually has two separate drive shafts: one for transmitting power to the front and another to transmit power to the back.
How Long Does a Driveshaft Last?
The driveshafts of your car are exceptionally important, given that they take the power from the engine and send it to your wheels. Despite their importance though, they’re not a service part, and this means there is no set interval for when they should be changed. Every car is different. The key to driveshaft longevity is preventative maintenance as well as just generally looking after them.
If you look after your driveshafts, they can last the lifetime of the car. It only if you ignore the information below that they can become a problem.
The main shaft of the driveshaft unit is just a bar of metal, and as such is pretty robust. The only way this bit fails is if it’s damaged, or if the rust is allowed to eat it away. As such, there is no harm in getting under your car with a wire brush, clean up the shaft and give it a new coat of rustproof paint. This will extend the life no end.
Most Common Bad Drive Shaft Symptoms
1) Vibrations
If you’re driving the vehicle and you feel a lot of harsh vibrations coming from under it, then your drive shaft may be in trouble. This is usually the first symptom that people recognize when there is a drive shaft problem.
2) Clunking Noise
When you accelerate your vehicle, do you hear a clunking noise? How about when you put the vehicle into reverse, or even into drive?
If you hear clunking noises in any of these cases, then it could mean your drive shaft has an issue and should be promptly inspected. Often, this is a common symptom of a bad slip yoke.
3) Squeaking Noise
If you’re driving and you hear a squeaking noise that is consistently coming from underneath your vehicle, then it is a sign that your drive shaft could be faulty. It could possibly be out of balance or some other part of it could be worn out.
4) Universal Joint Movement
If the U-joint of your drive shaft rotates too fast or fails to rotate, then it’s a problem with your drive shaft. The cap seals of the bearings could have rust on them. Either that or the u-joint itself is not stable.
You’ll need to have your drive shaft replaced because you can’t drive your vehicle in this condition.
5) Turning Problems
If you try to make a turn with your vehicle and the wheels don’t turn immediately or they hesitate, then you have an issue with your drive shaft. The tires will have a lot of resistance which you’ll be able to feel as you try to make a turn.
How to Change Your Driveshaft
- The technician raises the car on a hoist
- Obstructions including skid plates and heat shields are removed
- The driveshaft is unbolted from the secured end at the wheel or differential
- The slip yoke is removed from the transmission
- A new driveshaft is installed in the reverse order, then skid plates and heat shields are refitted
- The car is lowered and the technician performs a road test to confirm the repair
- If you live in Sydney and your car need driveshaft replacement, you are most welcome to visit our workshop, our experienced mechanic technician are very happy to help you fix your car problems.
How Important is Change Your Driveshaft?
A slight imbalance can be repaired by a machine shop in Sydney.
In most cases, a damaged driveshaft must be replaced to ensure your car will continue to drive smoothly and without failure.
A worn driveshaft u-joint should be replaced immediately, or risk of catastrophic u-joint failure could cause loss of control.
A driveshaft that comes apart can swing around wildly under your car, causing extensive undercarriage damage. Replace damaged driveshafts immediately.
If you’ve read this far, you obviously care about your car a lot. So next time you need a car service, repair or inspection in Sydney, please visit www.sydneycarrepair.com.au or Give Us a call to book your service.
All of our car servicing and car repair jobs are carried out by licenced vehicle technicians with years of extensive experience across all popular and luxury makes and models.
Our Address: 71 Atkins Road, Ermington, NSW 2115
If you are live in Sydney or Australia, you are welcome to visit our shop to get your car service or repair. We do car servicing and car repair job for people who live in Eastwood, Carlingford, Epping, Ryde, Ermington, Rydalmere, Parramatta, Newington, North Parramatta, Epping, North Rocks, North Mead, West Ryde, Dundas, Telopea, Oatlands, Camellia, Rosehill, Carlingford, North Eppin, Gordon, Hunters Hill, Auburn, Merrylands, Fairfield, Burwood, Ashfield, Seven Hills and all the rest of Sydney, Australia.
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