We cannot overstate the importance of the driveshaft. The driveshaft is the drivetrain part that turns the wheels. The transmission takes power from the engine in order to turn the driveshaft. There isn’t a specific maintenance schedule for the driveshaft, but it’s a good idea to have the drivetrain inspected once a year because it is comprised of numerous parts including the driveshaft, the transmission, and the wheels. If you have any of the following problems, your driveshaft is going bad. We may be able to repair the problem by lubricating or balancing the driveshaft or by replacing a specific part.
Vibrating Undercarriage
If your vehicle is vibrating while you are driving it, this can be an early sign that the driveshaft is having problems. Specifically, the shaft may need to be rebalanced, the wheels may need to be rebalanced, or the driveshaft bushings may be wearing out.
In addition, a worn universal joint or U-joint can also make your vehicle vibrate while you are driving. You will feel this vibration coming from underneath the automobile. It will feel as if you’re undercarriage is vibrating. In some cases, the vibration can get worse as you pick up speed.
Acceleration That Shudders
As we just said, the vibration can get worse as you pick up speed, but your vehicle can also shudder and vibrate while you are accelerating. This is a sign that you’ve got bad center bearings in the driveshaft. Replacing the center bearings will smooth out your vehicle’s acceleration.
In addition, the U-joint can also jiggle when the vehicle accelerates and cause the driveshaft to jiggle. This happens when the U-joint has loosened due to miles and miles of vibration and needs to be tightened. In some cases, the shuddering will be accompanied by strange noises.
Strange Noises
So, let’s talk about the strange noises your driveshaft can make. If the driveshaft is overdue for lubrication, it will squeak or squeal. Specifically, the driveshaft bearings and U-joint need to be lubricated regularly to keep them from squeaking.
The driveshaft may also knock or clunk if the U-joint is worn out. As an aside, your car, SUV, or truck may also clunk or knock if you have a broken leaf spring on one of the wheels. It’s important to have the source of the clunking noise fixed to prevent further damage.
Finally, the driveshaft may wear out and start to rattle or scrape while you are driving. It could be a specific part of the driveshaft that is worn, such as the center bearings, or we may need to replace the driveshaft altogether.