Prop shafts, or commonly known as drive shafts are the pivotal component connecting the transmission between the engine differential and a vehicle’s wheels. Similar to many other vehicle components, prop shafts are susceptible to wear from time to time.
At Prop Shaft Repairs, we have many years of experience in repairing drive shafts and we are aware that the common problems arising in prop shafts do not simply manifest overnight due to the components’ durability characteristics. Signs of wear gradually occur over a long time and when you notice them, it is imperative that you seek specialist assistance to rectify the issue. Here are some of the most common problems occurring in prop shaft components.
Damaged U-Joints
One of the first signs of drive shaft problems is vibrations or shaking of the vehicle. This vibration effect commonly occurs when the vehicle is accelerating or decelerating. Although the vehicle’s vibrating can simply be an issue with the tyres, vibrations coming from the prop shaft are caused by many problems including lack of lubrication on the U-joint, worn U-joints or a dented driveshaft.
Worn Prop Shaft
Prop shaft problems can make driving more complicated that it should be, especially when attempting actions that require precision. A commonly occurring example is trouble when manoeuvring the vehicle. Sluggish reactions when completing such procedures indicate that the prop shaft is damaged or worn out.
Worn and Damaged U-Joint
In certain cases, the sounds produced by the vehicle during acceleration and deceleration can be an indicator of a prop shaft defect. Similar to vibrations, sounds are a prominent sign of a damaged prop shaft, which will need a specialist’s attention. So, if you notice a low squeaking noise that becomes faster when you accelerate and slower when you decelerate it is most likely that your vehicle’s prop shaft’s U-joint is damaged. A loud thump when shifting gears is another sign of a damaged or worn U-joint.
It is critical to seek professional help once you notice any of these problems, because an inefficiently functioning vehicle will put you and your fellow road users in a lot of danger. As mentioned earlier, at Prop Shaft Repairs, we specialise in drive shaft repairs to restore your vehicles’ functionality back to working as good as new. If you need more information about our services, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01524 382 262.
