A driveshaft (also called a propeller shaft or Cardan shaft) is a lengthened ring-shaped shaft, customarily built of steel that goes from the engine to gears, allowing the wheels to spin. The pistons inside the engine shift their power to a set of gears, moving the drive shaft, generating torque. The torque then goes through the driveshaft to wheel gears, causing them to rotate. It is how a vehicle runs on the road.
It is crucial to ensure the flexibility of the shaft assembly since drivetrain axles shake up and down and move sideways when you brake and accelerate. The driveshaft assembly contains the propeller shaft, universal joints, slip splines and yokes.
INTENSE VIBRATIONS AND SHUDDERING
Vibrations and shuddering from under the vehicle are the two most conventional symptoms of a failing driveshaft. When the U-joint, couplers or carrier bearings wear out, you can feel undue driveshaft vibration. It could also be due to loose bolts on the driveshaft or an unbalanced unit. If you fail to repair these driveshaft parts, they can further harm other drivetrain components.
STRANGE NOISES
Odd noises could be another sign of a worn-out driveshaft. When the bearings and bushings, holding the driveshaft and U-joints, give up or rundown, they influence the driveshaft’s competence to rotate normally. It results in noises like scraping, squeaking, clanking and rattling. Whenever you hear any of these sounds, pay a visit to your mechanic.
FEEL SHUDDERING AS YOU ACCELERATE
If you feel shaking while accelerating from a stop or low speed, it could indicate a failing driveshaft. A worn carrier bearing or loose U-joint could be the culprit, requiring you to visit a mechanic as early as possible.
DIFFICULTY TURNING
If you feel difficulty making turns, it could be due to a u-joint problem. A worn u-joint may inhibit the wheels from turning correctly, making it hard to manoeuvre the vehicle.
LOUD CLUNKING NOISE
If you hear a noisy clunking sound while shifting, know there is a problem with the driveshaft. The probable cause is a worn u-joint.
SQUEAKING NOISE
Not only irritating, but a squeaking sound at low speeds can also be due to the u-joint that requires lubrication. Applying a tiny amount of grease will prevent the squeaking noise. However, if the u-joint is excessively worn, you have to change it altogether.
CLICKING OR KNOCKING NOISE
It could be due to a worn or faulty CV joint. Visit your mechanic for diagnosis and proper repair.