Can normal driving damage the driveshaft?
With regular cleaning and lubrication (say twice a year), normal driving won't damage the driveshafts. Most don't actually perform any maintenance on this component as failures are not common.
How long does a drive shaft last?
A driveshaft can last the life of the car if it has not been excessively strained, so remember to drive your new crossover with care. With regular cleaning and lubrication (say twice a year), normal driving won't damage the driveshafts. Most don't actually perform any maintenance on this component as failures are not common.
Can I replace a bad drive shaft myself?
If you have a lot of experience working with cars and all of the necessary tools already, you may be able to purchase the necessary parts and replace a bad drive shaft yourself.
What are the symptoms of a bad drive shaft?
This is usually the first symptom that people recognize when there is a drive shaft problem. The vibrations are likely due to worn out bushings of the drive shaft. These bushings are what normally keep the drive shaft from vibrating in the first place.
Can you drive with bad drive shaft?
”It is not safe to drive with a bad driveshaft because the driveshaft is responsible for transferring the torque and engine rotation into vehicle movement. If your driveshaft is failing or has already failed, you won't be able to drive your vehicle any further.
How long can a bad drive shaft last?
While there is no set lifespan of a driveshaft, it typically can last about 75,000 miles. Keep in mind depending on the vehicle, and wear and tear you may get much less or much more.
What happens when your drive shaft goes out while driving?
If your driveshaft breaks while driving, you will end up losing the traction that the drive shaft provides. You will also lose stability in your car since it can no longer rely on its wheelbase. If you are unlucky, this could mean a complete loss of control of your vehicle and possible accidents.
What happens if you don't fix a drive shaft?
A common symptom of a failing driveshaft is an intense shaking coming from underneath the vehicle. Worn out u-joints, couplers or carrier bearings can cause the driveshaft to vibrate. If you don't get these components serviced, it can lead to further damage to other drivetrain components.
How much does it cost to fix drive shaft?
In most cases, a new drive shaft costs somewhere between $300 and $1300. Fortunately, it only takes about an hour to replace it. A repair usually costs much less, around $200 to $300 including parts and labor, but this also depends on how many parts need to be replaced.
What does a bad driveshaft sound like?
loud clunking noisesAnother symptom of driveshaft issues is loud clunking noises. These noises are usually produced by worn-out u-joints. The ability of your driveshaft to rotate correctly is altered if your vehicle has a faulty u-joint. Lack of u-joint lubrication can cause squeaking noises when you drive at low speeds.
What causes drive shaft failure?
Improper stiffness matching between the left and right smooth shafts, which results in a larger torque transmitted to the right spline, is the root cause of the drive shaft failure.
What breaks a drive shaft?
Usually drive shaft issues can be attributed to aftermarket engine modifications (more torque) or tires (more traction, and thus a higher peak torque through the shaft). In both those cases slight twisting of the shaft near the failure point will be visible.
How long does it take to replace a driveshaft?
That's very difficult to answer due to the multiple variables involved in removing and replacing hard to access components such as the center driveshaft on a front wheel drive vehicle like your Edge. However, in general, this type of job can often be completed in one business day; or less than 8 service hours.
Is it easy to replace drive shaft?
Changing a drive shaft is actually a simple task that a home mechanic can undertake without too much trepidation. It's just a case of being thorough, being safe, and of course having your trusty Haynes Manual to hand.
What causes drive shaft failure?
Improper stiffness matching between the left and right smooth shafts, which results in a larger torque transmitted to the right spline, is the root cause of the drive shaft failure.
Why would a drive shaft needs replacing?
If the rotation fails or speeds up too quickly, then it will cause issues with your driveshaft. What is this? Perhaps you have a bad U-joint or your bearings have rust on the cap seals. This may require you to replace your entire driveshaft if the damage is too significant.
How long does a driveshaft take to replace?
That's very difficult to answer due to the multiple variables involved in removing and replacing hard to access components such as the center driveshaft on a front wheel drive vehicle like your Edge. However, in general, this type of job can often be completed in one business day; or less than 8 service hours.
What Does a Bad Drive Shaft Do?
A bad drive shaft would cause your car not to move because torque won’t pass from the engine to the wheels.
Can You Drive With a Bad Drive Shaft?
It is almost impossible to drive with a bad driveshaft. Initially, when the drive shaft is faulty, you’d find it a bit difficult to rotate your wheels, and when the shaft finally breaks down, your car would definitely stop moving.
What More?
So, can you drive with a bad drive shaft? No, you cannot drive with a bad driveshaft. This is because you’d find it difficult to turn the wheels or the car won’t move at all.
Types of Driveshafts and Layouts
Front-mounted engine and transmission with RWD: the driveshaft comes out of the gearbox and is connected to the differential, which is then connected to CV joints via sideshafts, and powers the wheels. Front-mounted engine and transmission with AWD/4WD: same layout as RWD, with the front wheels powered directly by the gearbox or in some cases, another differential.
How Long Does a Driveshaft Last?
A driveshaft can last the life of the car if it has not been excessively strained, so remember to drive your new crossover with care. With regular cleaning and lubrication (say twice a year), normal driving won't damage the driveshafts. Most don't actually perform any maintenance on this component as failures are not common.
What a Bad Driveshaft Noise Sound Like and How to Tell if a Driveshaft is Bad
So, what does a bad driveshaft sound like? Well, this varies greatly depending on the issue. Multiple factors can be the cause of a damaged driveshaft, and as this is the case, different sounds can emanate from the drivetrain. Whatever the symptom, this short list should alert you to a broken driveshaft and help with troubleshooting:
Can You Drive Despite the Symptoms of a Bad Driveshaft?
Obviously, if it has failed completely, there will be a complete disconnection of the drive and your car simply won't move, or it will come to a standstill if you're driving it. The engine will run, but the wheels won't turn, despite being in gear.
When Should You Replace a Driveshaft?
Most professional inspections will reveal failed components even if you yourself don't know about them. You will usually be able to continue on your way after the offending U-joint or carrier bearing has been replaced, with the driveshaft itself typically undamaged.
How Expensive is it to Replace a Driveshaft?
To replace an entire driveshaft can be expensive, costing thousands of dollars on premium or specialist off-road vehicles. In some cases, the parts are not actually that expensive in the US, but the cost of labor must still be factored in with the price of parts.
Conclusion
The driveshaft, or propeller shaft as it is more accurately named, is a hardy and resilient component of your car's drivetrain, but that does not mean that it does not require care. As with any mechanical component, repetitive bad driving practices can cause the driveshaft to suffer abuse that may leave you immobile.
What is a Drive Shaft?
Perhaps, you don’t know what a drive shaft is. A drive shaft, also known as a propeller shaft, is a long rod that transmits torque from the output shaft of the transmission to the rear differential in an all-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, or rear-wheel drive vehicle.
Common Bad Drive Shaft Symptoms
When the drive shaft of a vehicle is bad, driving will be affected. There are five common signs and symptoms associated with a bad drive shaft. If you notice any of the following signs or symptoms in your car, then you should know that the drive shaft has a problem.
Excessive Vibrations
If you feel lots of harsh vibrations coming from underneath your car while driving it, then there may be a problem with the drive shaft. Most times, feeling harsh vibrations from underneath the car is the first sign that is seen when the drive shaft has a problem.
Clunking Noise
Do you hear a clunking noise when you accelerate your vehicle? Or when you load the gear into the reverse position, or even into the drive position? If you do, then it may be that your drive shaft is in trouble and should be checked immediately. Hearing a clunking noise is a common symptom of a bad slip yoke of the drive shaft.
Squeaking Noise
If you hear a squeaking noise coming consistently from underneath your vehicle while driving it, this is a sign that you have a faulty drive shaft. This may mean that your drive shaft is out of balance or some parts of the drive shaft have worn out.
Bad Universal Joint Movement
If you notice that the universal joint (U-joint) of your drive shaft isn’t rotating or is rotating too fast, then there is a problem with your drive shaft. It’s possible that the cap seals of the bearings have rust on the bearing or that the U-joint itself is no longer stable.
Turning Problems
If you notice that the wheels of your vehicle are hesitant and won’t turn immediately when you try to make a turn with your vehicle, then you likely have an issue with your drive shaft. You will feel a lot of resistance on the tires as you try to make a turn.
What happens when a driveshaft fails?
When one of these components fails, you’ll likely notice one or more of the following driveshaft problems: Abnormal Noises. Driveshaft issues can result in abnormal noises. When the driveshaft’s joints are worn or need grease, they often make a clicking, squeaking, or grinding noise when the vehicle is in motion.
What is a driveshaft?
A driveshaft connects the transmission (or transfer case) to the differential. RWD vehicles have one driveshaft that connects the transmission to the rear differential. AWD vehicles with a front-wheel drive-biased layout have one driveshaft that connects the transfer case (also known as a transfer unit) to the rear differential.
What is phase in drive shaft?
On the other hand, phase refers to the angle of the u-joint yokes in relation to one another.
Why does my drive shaft clunk?
The root cause of the problem is often a faulty joint or center support bearing. A driveshaft that is out of balance, out of phase, or at an incorrect angle can also cause vibrations. Clunking Sensation. Worn driveshaft joints can often cause a clunking sensation.
Why remove driveshaft?
You may need to remove the driveshaft to perform a thorough inspection of the joints. Before removal, remember to mark and index the driveshaft to the differential’s yoke or flange to ensure the shaft is reinstalled in the same position.
Can you turn the driveshaft and yoke in opposite directions?
Turning the driveshaft and the yoke (by hand) in opposite directions can also reveal problems with the joints. It’s important to note that some joint issues can go unnoticed when the driveshaft is still installed in the vehicle. You may need to remove the driveshaft to perform a thorough inspection of the joints.
Do AWD driveshafts go bad?
AWD vehicles with a rear-wheel drive-biased layout and 4×4 vehicles have two driveshafts that connect the transfer case to the front and rear differentials. The entire driveshaft rarely fails unless it suffers some type of impact damage. Instead, what tends to go bad are the individual components that make up the driveshaft.
What happens if you disconnect the drive shaft?
If the drive shaft were to disconnect on one side while it’s still spinning quickly, there is a good chance it will do massive damage to the underside of your vehicle. Remember that if one end is still connected to the vehicle, the drive shaft will continue spinning for a moment and take out anything in its path.
What is a drive shaft?
A drive shaft (also called a propeller shaft) is essentially a long rod that is designed to transmit torque from the output shaft of the transmission to the rear differential in a rear wheel drive, four wheel drive, or all wheel drive vehicle.
Why does my drive shaft vibrate?
This is usually the first symptom that people recognize when there is a drive shaft problem. The vibrations are likely due to worn out bushings of the drive shaft. These bushings are what normally keep the drive shaft from vibrating in the first place. If the problem is not fixed soon, the vibration will get more severe.
How many drive shafts does a 4 wheel drive vehicle have?
In the case of a four wheel drive or all wheel drive vehicle, you may find that it actually has two separate drive shafts: one for transmitting power to the front and another to transmit power to the back. This will depend on the manufacturer’s implementation of the four wheel drive or all wheel drive system.
What happens if you turn your car and the wheels don't turn?
If you try to make a turn with your vehicle and the wheels don’t turn immediately or they hesitate, then you have an issue with your drive shaft. The tires will have a lot of resistance which you’ll be able to feel as you try to make a turn.
How much does it cost to replace a half shaft?
If you’re just replacing a half-shaft for your front wheel drive car, then it will cost anywhere from $470 to $940. You can expect the parts cost to be anywhere from $320 to $750, while the labor costs are only around $150 to $190. If you have a rear wheel or four wheel drive vehicle which has a long drive shaft to power the rear wheels, ...
What happens if you don't fix a vibration?
If the problem is not fixed soon, the vibration will get more severe. It will get so bad that your passengers will be able to feel it too. The worst part is that other drivetrain components can also be affected and damaged. Note that vibrations that increase with speed may mean your tires need to be balanced.
What Is A Universal Joint?
Universal joints or U-joints are X-shaped components generally made of steel featuring a bearing cap on each end. It connects the rigid driveshaft of the vehicle to the transmission and allows it to rotate freely.
How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U-Joint: Functions Of A U-Joint
As cars do not move on super-flat surfaces, driveshafts have to be able to move up and down alongside the suspension while they rotate. This ensures an uninterrupted supply of power to the drive wheels. Universal joints power this motion while letting the driveshaft turn continuously.
How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U-Joint: Signs Of A Bad U-Joint
So, how can you know when your car’s universal joints are going bad? Look out for these signs.
How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U-Joint?
In simple words, a vehicle cannot function with a U-joint, so it fails. It is much more complicated than it sounds. A lot of damage can be involved in all the cases. The driveshaft assembly can loosen and fall off. It can also cause extensive damage to the vehicle’s underside and perhaps the driveline too.
How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U-Joint: Reasons Behind U-Joint Failure
Over time, normal wear and tear take a toll on every component of the car, not just the U-joint. It is completely possible that the universal joint was at the end of its service life after serving its set time.
How Often Should You Replace U-Joints?
Technically, U-joints last forever – at least that is how they were designed. Although they are not supposed to depreciate over time, it happens. In addition, U-joints could break; it is not a rare incident.
Inspecting U-Joints
Instead of waiting for something to go bad and then repairing it, it is a good habit to examine the U-joints regularly. If not at every oil change, get them checked at least twice a year.
Signs You May Have a Bad or Failing Drive Shaft
These common symptoms of a bad or failing drive shaft should be something you look out for if you suspect that your drive shaft is starting to have issues.
Can You Keep Driving With a Bad Drive Shaft?
You may be able to drive with a bad drive shaft if you are not experiencing the most severe symptoms, but it is not recommended. Continued use of a bad or failing drive shaft may end up with the drive shaft breaking down completely or snapping off, stopping the forward motion of the vehicle or causing you to completely losing control.
Can You Replace a Bad Drive Shaft Yourself?
If you have a lot of experience working with cars and all of the necessary tools already, you may be able to purchase the necessary parts and replace a bad drive shaft yourself.
When to See a Professional About a Bad Drive Shaft
For most people, the best first step to take when experiencing one of the symptoms we discussed above is to consult a professional about it. A mechanic will be able to properly diagnose your issue, evaluating whether it is caused by a bad drive shaft or not, and will be able to accurately advise you on repairs and costs.
Bad Drive Shaft Replacement Cost
Replacement costs for a bad drive shaft range from several hundred dollars up into the thousands of dollars, depending on your vehicle type and how badly damaged the drive shaft is or if you need a complete replacement.
