A vehicle’s drive shaft is the rotating component which helps it make the transition from standing idle to the point of ‘drive’. This means that it is a fundamental device within a vehicle, as without a drive shaft no vehicle would ever actually move. With that in mind, the drive shaft is hugely important, so here are a few ways to tell whether your drive shaft is in good order, or if you need to replace your drive shaft:
How a Drive Shaft Will Fail –
- In the norm, a drive shaft will begin to fail gradually, rather than just ceasing to work in a single instance.
Effects –
Vibrations
- Damage to the drive shaft will cause a vehicle to shake or tremble, and this vibration will only get worse the faster a vehicle is moving. Whilst vibrations in a vehicle can also occur as a result of a tyre problem, tyre issues usually become manifest during acceleration, whereas drive shaft related vibrations will be omnipresent from when they begin.
Noise
- Your drive shaft will often emit noises if it is in poor condition, and again these sounds will grow in magnitude when you are travelling at a higher speed. In fact, very fast driving may actually result in a squeaking drive shaft becoming totally silent again, and in this case the problem frequently lies within the joint behind drive shaft and U-joint.
Handling
- Your vehicle’s wheels won’t necessarily move properly if the drive shaft is damaged. This will often become especially apparent when you are cornering in a vehicle, and you may well feel resistance when you’re trying to carry out a turn on the road as well.
- Because tight manoeuvring is vital when you’re parking, a deficient drive shaft can become very apparent here. Getting into a tight space is already difficult, but if the wheels on your vehicle don’t seem to be responding as they should, it could that your drive shaft is at fault. If this is the case, you should replace your drive shaft as soon as possible.
Other Components
- The U-joint is linked to the drive shaft, and because of this any perceived faults with this component can be caused by the drive shaft.
If your vehicle is exhibiting one or more of these signs, then your drive shaft could well be failing. Here at Driveline and Hydraulic Engineering Ltd, we can both supply and carry out drive and prop shaft repairs, so if you have need of a professional service to replace your drive shaft, be sure to get in touch by calling 01524 382262 or emailing our experienced team on info@propshaftrepairs.com.
