Common Driveshaft Problems

When suspecting a vehicle with driveshaft problem, keep in mind that other components maybe at fault, Such as:

• Wheels out of balance

• Tires have flat spots or defective

• Transmission mounts sagging creating a “bent” driveshaft instead of a straight line

• Transmission output shaft loose internally

• Flex disc (guibo torn)

• Broken differential mount

Common Driveshaft Failure

Driveshaft vibration/noises are usually caused by worn U- joints, slip joint wear, or a faulty center support bearing.

• Grinding and squeaking sounds from the drive shaft are frequently caused by worn universal joints. The joints become dry due to loss of lubricant causing the roller bearings to wear out.

• Clunking sound, when going from acceleration to deceleration or deceleration to acceleration, may be caused by a slip yoke problem. The spline on the slip yoke maybe worn creating side movement. Transmission extension housing bushing may also be worn causing the yoke to move up and down with changes in drive line torque.

  An excessively worn U-joint that binds is very common to cause a similar noise.

  Worn ball joint for driveshafts equipped with a double cardan assembly.

• Whining sounds are sometimes caused by a dry, worn center support bearing. Since this bearing makes complete revolutions. It will make a different sound than a worn U joint.

  A high pitched more constant whine will usually come from a faulty center support bearing.

• Vibration at speeds usually 40-60 mph.

• Shudder as car accelerate from a complete stop (mostly felt on second gear).

How to Inspect a Driveshaft for Wear or Damage

Raise the vehicle on a lift and Look for:

• Undercoating or mud on the drive shaft.

• Check for missing balance weights and cracked welds.

• Wiggle and rotate each U-joint back and forth and look for excessive play.

• Watch the universal joint carefully look for any brownish (rust) color on the U Joint seal cap area.

• Try to detect any play between the cross and the yoke. If the cross moves inside the yoke, the U-joint is worn and needs to be replaced.

• Wiggle the slip yoke up and down. If it moves in the transmission bushing excessively, either the yoke or the bushing is worn.

• Inspect the rear yoke bolts for tightness.

• Inspect the Motor/Transmission mount see if it is sagging or broken.

• Broken differential mount.

• Torn Flex disc (guibo).

• Look at any condition that can upset the operation of the drive shaft.

Look at the center support, if torn a binding U-joint is more than likely the cause, replacement of the center support will not help or eliminate vibration long term in 90% of the cases.

Driveshaft maintenance is crucial in keeping driveline problems away.

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