It’s hard to control your vehicle when you have a failing driveshaft, also called a drivetrain. The driveshaft powers your car, truck, or SUV as you drive by transferring torque and engine rotation into motion. However, depending on your manufacturer, your vehicle can have one of three different types of driveshafts: front-wheel, rear-wheel, or four-wheel.
Front-Wheel Drive, or FWD
The front wheels provide the power of a front-wheel-drive automobile. Rather than a long driveshaft, all of the components are located in the front of the vehicle. FWD cars and trucks also use constant velocity, or CV, joints instead of universal joints.
Rear-Wheel Drive, or RWD
In a rear-wheel-drive automobile, the rear wheels deliver the power. This is accomplished by installing a long driveshaft from the transmission at the front of the vehicle to the differential on the other end of the vehicle using universal joints, or U-joints.
Four-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive (4WD or AWD)
Four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicles are typically powered by two driveshafts. There’s the long driveshaft that powers the rear wheels as well as a front driveshaft that uses U-joints to connect to the front differential and the transfer case.
Needless to say, if your driveshaft is failing, you’ll have trouble controlling the vehicle. There are four signs that your driveshaft is in trouble.
1. Vibrations from Beneath the Vehicle
Intense vibrating or shaking from underneath your vehicle is a common symptom of a failing driveshaft that should grab your attention quickly. The usual cause for this is worn-out couples, bearings, bushings, or U-joints.
Your car should be serviced by your mechanic quickly after you’ve noticed the shaking or vibrating beneath the vehicle, or you risk damaging more components of the drivetrain.
2. Loud Clunking Sounds
Loud clunking noises will be especially apparent when shifting your vehicle if you have a damaged driveshaft. These sounds are typically produced by worn U-joints. Sometimes, you may also hear squeaking noises from under the vehicle, which can indicate that your U-joints lack lubrication and will become worn faster.
If you hear something that sounds like knocking or clicking, this can also point to a faulty CV-joint.
3. Trouble Turning
If you find it difficult to turn, this could also signify a U-joint issue. If a universal joint is failing, it can keep the wheel from turning properly. This can make the vehicle difficult to control and become a safety hazard.
4. Vibrating While Accelerating
If your car or truck vibrates or shudders when you accelerate or stop from a low speed, the culprit is most likely a loose U-joint or a bad carrier bearing.
Do You Suspect a Problem?
Driveshaft or drivetrain problems aren’t DIY projects. For your own safety, it’s best to bring the vehicle to your mechanic and have the problem dealt with before further damage is done or before total control over the vehicle is lost.