Drive Shaft, Suspension System

Common Drive Shaft Issues and Maintenance: Vibrations, Noises, Breakage, and Leaks

沁泓商城傳動軸
06
May

The drive shaft is one of the essential components for a vehicle's operation. Everyone may encounter issues such as drive shaft breakage, malfunction, or abnormalities that can lead to vibrations, strange noises, or even breakdowns while driving. Let’s take a look at how to avoid drive shaft breakage, how to maintain and care for your drive shaft, and how to determine whether it needs to be replaced.

What is a drive shaft?

The drive shaft is an essential component of a vehicle's chassis, transferring the engine's power to the wheels to propel the vehicle. In front-wheel-drive cars, the inner side of the drive shaft connects to the transmission, while the outer side connects to the steering knuckle.

The engine's power is transmitted through the clutch and differential, directly delivered via universal joints to the left and right drive shaft assemblies, allowing the engine to not only drive the front wheels but also control the vehicle's direction.

In rear-wheel-drive cars, the engine and transmission are typically mounted longitudinally, with the engine mostly located at the front of the vehicle. The drive shaft then transfers power to the differential located between the two rear wheels, distributing power to the rear wheels to enable the vehicle to move.

Signs of drive shaft failure

Since the drive shaft's function is to enable the vehicle to move, issues may arise during acceleration. In this regard, damage to the drive shaft may cause the following signs:

  • Excessive vibrations in the vehicle
  • Unusual noises coming from beneath the driver's seat
  • The vehicle being unable to move even when started
  • Unusual noises during gear shifts

Additionally, identifying the specific source of the malfunction is crucial. When your vehicle produces unusual noises while driving, it could involve several components. It's important to check the shock absorbers, axles, tires, and transmission. Only then can you determine if the problem indeed lies with the drive shaft. For example, if the vehicle shakes significantly during acceleration or produces abnormal noises when turning, it may indicate an issue with the drive shaft.

How to know if the drive shaft needs to be replaced?

Cracked Dust Boot of the Drive Shaft

When you notice that the drive shaft's dust boot is cracked, it is important to replace it promptly under normal circumstances. A cracked dust boot can affect the vehicle's handling and safety. When the dust boot is damaged, the internal lubricating oil can leak out, causing the universal joints inside the drive shaft to become insufficiently lubricated and wear out more quickly. If the drive shaft wears to a certain extent, you may hear unusual noises when turning the vehicle, indicating that the drive shaft is no longer functional and not just that the dust boot needs replacement.

Unusual Noises When Turning

If the vehicle emits loud noises or noticeably shakes when turning, it may be a sign of damage to the drive shaft. This could be a precursor to drive shaft breakage; if the drive shaft breaks, the vehicle will be unable to move, posing a serious danger to the driver and passengers. If you notice oil stains leaking from the inner wheel hub, you should immediately take the vehicle to a repair shop to check if the drive shaft is the source of the problem and requires replacement. Timely replacement can help avoid the risk of drive shaft breakage and unnecessary dangers.

Causes of Vehicle Vibrations While Driving

Vibrations during vehicle movement can stem from various causes, such as uneven road surfaces or issues with power transmission components, including tires and the drive shaft. Tire bulging, imbalances, or misalignment of the wheels can all contribute to vibrations while driving. On the other hand, if you notice vibrations when starting from a stop or during acceleration, it may indicate issues with the drive shaft components. In such cases, check the universal joints for wear or the dust boot for cracks that may lead to oil leaks. Damage to these components can ultimately result in drive shaft breakage, causing vehicle failure.

Should the drive shaft be replaced with an original manufacturer part or an aftermarket part?

The price of a drive shaft varies based on the vehicle brand, model, and whether it is an original manufacturer part or an aftermarket part. Typically, the original drive shafts for high-end luxury cars cost over ten thousand dollars, while other original parts range from around 3,000 to 8,000 dollars. There are three options for replacing a drive shaft: the first is a brand new original part; the second is the cheapest new part; and the third is a brand new aftermarket part.

Usually, the part of the drive shaft that tends to fail is the outer half-shaft. Replacing it with a brand new original part can be too expensive and unnecessary. The price difference between a new complete part and an aftermarket new part is often minimal, so most people choose the aftermarket option. If you only want to replace the dust boot, you need to assess how long the damage has been present. If dirt and debris have already entered, you might soon need to replace the entire drive shaft anyway.

至於傳動軸要換原廠還是副廠的問題，換傳動軸有95%都換副廠件新品和整新品，會需要換傳動軸的車子大致上都已經有一定的年齡，換原廠全新太貴，大部分的車主不能接受，除非您真的不缺錢。品質的部分，副廠件和原廠件沒有太多差異，能夠整理傳動軸的工廠都有一定的水準，現在副廠件和原廠件外觀基本上一樣，車廠如果真心要坑你，拿副廠件當原廠件賣你，外行人通常都不知情。

Many people encounter situations where the original manufacturer’s technician recommends replacing the entire drive shaft with a new one. The claim that aftermarket parts and new complete parts are likely to break is essentially just a scare tactic. While anything is possible, the likelihood of breakage is generally low.

On the other hand, the practice of only replacing parts instead of repairing them has been common for quite some time. Why? Because the materials are cheap and repairing takes time. Naturally, they will recommend replacing the entire assembly, as it saves time and is more profitable for them.