Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Driveshaft

A driveshaft translates the torque created in the engine to the wheels of a vehicle in order to keep it moving forward (or backward). Whether you have a front wheel, rear wheel or 4-wheel drive vehicle, you will have at least one and possibly two driveshafts on your vehicle. On a 4-wheel drive vehicle, failure of one driveshaft does not necessarily mean you will have to replace them both, although it is good to have them both checked out if one goes bad.

A problem with the driveshaft can quickly become a problem with the transmission, especially if you’re in a situation where the driveshaft is running dry and needs lubrication. This part affects critical portions of your vehicle, so it is important to get it resolved quickly.

Some things to watch out for include:

• Abnormal noises: Just as there are strange sounds that indicate brake failure, the rattling or clunking noises could be a key indicator that something is not quite right.                                                                   
• Intense vibrations: Trembling or shaking within the floorboards are clear indicators that your driveshaft could be failing quickly. Vibrations can be most noticeable during periods of acceleration or when you’re traveling faster than usual. Driveshaft problems usually manifest at all speeds, while a tire problem would only be visible at higher speeds.                                                                                           
• Difficulty turning: If your tires feel like they’re fighting you and don’t want to go in the direction that you’re turning, there’s a possibility that your driveshaft is the problem. Turning around in tight spaces is when you’re most likely to find this problem.            
• Visible wear and tear: The universal joints at either side of the drive shaft will be one of the first parts to show excessive wear; they may be too loose to rotate properly or seem to move excessively in their housing.                                                                                                                                                                       Keep your transmission safe by keeping up to date on your maintenance including lubricating orreplacing your driveshaft as required.