Signs Your Driveshaft is Going Bad

Your vehicle’s drivetrain system helps power you down the road. The driveshaft is a key component of your vehicle’s drivetrain. The driveshaft uses torque provided by the engine to turn the vehicle’s wheels, which means that if there is an issue with it, you could notice problems with the vehicle’s handling, strange sounds while the vehicle is in motion, and overall decreased drivability. Are there signs your driveshaft is going bad?

What is the Driveshaft?

A driveshaft, drive shaft, driving shaft, propeller shaft, or driveline is a part of a vehicle that takes power from the engine or motor to a place where useful work can be done. The drive shaft is a cylinder, usually made of steel or sometimes aluminum. Most automobiles use driveshafts to deliver power from the engine to the wheels.

The driveshaft is a component of the drivetrain in a vehicle, with the purpose of delivering torque from the transmission to the differential, and then transmitting this torque to the wheels in order to move the vehicle. The driveshaft is primarily used to transfer torque between components that are separated by a distance, since different components must be in different locations in the vehicle (Energy Education). In simple words, the main function of the driveshaft is to deliver the engine torque from the differential to the vehicle wheels.

Signs Your Driveshaft is Going Bad

While you may know that your driveshaft is broken by just looking at it, that’s not always the case and there could be signs that warn you before that actually happens. Addressing your driveshaft issues promptly is crucial.

  • Vibrations: An early sign of driveshaft problems is intense vibrations that come from underneath the vehicle. Any strange shaking from your vehicle should be a sign to take it to a Phoenix automotive repair shop. A driveshaft that’s vibrating excessively can also cause the wearing of other drivetrain components, so you want to have it fixed as soon as possible.
  • Squeaking and Clunking Sounds: If you notice new clunking, scraping, squeaking, clanking, or rattling sounds, that can indicate that your driveshaft is going bad. This is likely being caused by a U-joint going bad.
  • Shuddering During Acceleration: If you notice shuddering as you accelerate, loose U-joints or worn bearings could be the cause. If your vehicle feels like its faltering or shuddering when you press the gas, take it in to a local Phoenix automotive repair shop to have the driveshaft checked.
  • Difficulty Turning: Driveshaft problems can make it hard to control the vehicle’s ability to turn. If you feel hesitation or resistance when turning, or feel the vehicle struggling when you are trying to maneuver in and out of parking spaces, it could be a sign that your driveshaft is going bad.

If your driveshaft fails you, you will not be able to drive your vehicle, so it’s important to watch for signs of your driveshaft going bad, so you can stay in front of any issue you may face. When it comes to issues with your Phoenix vehicle, Advanced Transmissions & Emissions can help.

Advanced Transmissions & Emissions specializes in transmission repair, rebuilding, and remanufacturing, and all of your other automotive repair needs from clutches, air conditioning, steering, suspension, and more. We are a full-service auto mechanic repair shop.

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