It’s not just a vehicle that gets us from point A to point B; it’s a way of life. In many cases, we are presented with our flaws at the most inopportune times.
Even if the problem is severe and requires the involvement of a mechanic, it doesn’t harm to know more about the technical component behind the body for any scenario.
Symptoms of a failing driveshaft will be the topic of our discussion today.
What is a driveshaft?
Longitudinal transmission is a term you may be familiar with. Just to be clear: the driveshaft is that part of your vehicle that runs underneath its surface and is responsible for transferring rotation from your transmission to your back axle.
Because of this, with a front-wheel-drive vehicle, you will nearly never encounter this feature. If you’re looking for a drive shaft, you’ll only find it in 4X4, AWD (all wheel drive), and FWD (four wheel drives).
Also, if the transmission is on the inside of the car, the driveshaft might connect the clutch to the gearbox. Generally speaking, the driveshaft’s primary function is to transfer the driving force to various parts of the vehicle without causing any alterations.
Even yet, it’s just like any other part of the vehicle.
What are the symptoms of a failing driveshaft?
A noise similar to a squeak when the car starts to move, either in front or reverse
Most of the driveshaft’s components are still greased from the factory, however after a while, the lubrication may not be sufficient to keep the car moving during driving.
It’s probable that this oil will dry out quickly due to the fact that the shaft is made up of so many moving, frictional, and speed-changing parts. Even more so because the supported movement is in the same place as the supported movement..
In this case, without any lubrication, the metal on metal friction continues to produce the sound of what is essentially a squeak. You may only be able to record this sound at the beginning of the car’s journey or when the vehicle is at a lower speed.
However, if the noise persists, you should seek the advice of a mechanic for your own and your car’s safety, as well as for the sake of extending the life of the driveshaft.
A clanking sound when switching gear to reverse
In order to change gear in reverse, the bearings that make up the shaft must be able to move freely, yet they come to a halt when you try to do so.
This could be a sign that the preceding point about wear has been reached. Visit a mechanic not only for lubrication but also to avoid future harm.
A certain vibration of the car
When driving long distances and at high speeds, any unusual vibration or movement is a dangerous sign.
This could indicate that the bearings on the transmission shaft have worn out so much that they allow the shaft to come out of its axis with a broader range of motion than normal.
It may feel like an imbalanced wheel, but the rotations of the drive shaft are three to four times faster than those of the wheels, thus the sensation will be much more frequent.
When you have this symptom, you should be on the lookout since it could be an early warning sign of transmission or driveshaft failure. In this scenario, you must call a mechanic immediately to identify the specific driveshaft component that has malfunctioned and replace it before further deteriorating the vehicle’s condition.
The transmission fluid is leaking
Another symptom that your driveshaft is having issues is when transmission fluid starts leaking from behind it.
The transmission fluid is leaking because of the above-mentioned vibration, which has affected the transmission shaft and caused damage to the output shaft.
There’s no way around it: You need an auto mechanic to investigate the source of the leak and inspect the transmission.
Noise from under the car
As if you were pounding two metal hammers head-to-head or even like the sound of the bell, the driveshaft sections will generate some loud noises when there is a large movement between them. A new driveshaft is an immediate necessity in this situation.
Displacement at the transmission shaft
The only option is to pull over and wait for a tow truck if you’ve ever heard or seen this type of failure. As a result, the transmission shaft has been damaged to the point of no return due to excessive use and neglect. Because the driveshaft was broken and would need to be replaced, the cost of repairs will be prohibitive in this scenario.
As a result, it’s better to use routine technical checks and visit the mechanic for the first symptoms you’re having to avoid getting into such extreme scenarios. It’s preferable to get involved early and save money than to wait until the driveshaft and transmission are completely destroyed.
Cars and light trucks should have their driveshafts checked at least once a year, and buses or heavy duty vehicles should be checked every six months.
How much does it cost to replace the driveshaft?
If you simply need to replace a few parts, the cost of a driveshaft replacement can vary widely. The type of vehicle you drive has a significant impact on both the cost of parts and the cost of labor.
From $500 to $1,000, you can expect to pay for a new front-wheel-drive vehicle. The parts will run you $400 to $800, but the labor will only be $200 to $250.
Rear- or four-wheel drive vehicles can anticipate to pay between $ 700 and $2,400 for this service.
