A broken drive shaft can cause a sudden loss of power and make your car behave unpredictably on the road. Below, this drive shaft repair specialist in Chicago, Illinois is going to explore some of the main consequences of a broken drive shaft.
What happens when a drive shaft snaps?
When a drive shaft snaps, the power that transfers from the transmission to the wheels stops immediately. You may notice:
- Strong vibrations coming from under the car
- Shuddering or jerking when you accelerate
- Clunking sounds when you shift gears or change speed
- Squeaking sounds at low speeds
- Difficulty turning
- Your car could suddenly lose power or refuse to move altogether
If you are driving a rear-wheel-drive car, the broken shaft could hit the road. This can damage the undercarriage or lift the rear of the car off the ground for a second.
What causes a drive shaft to snap?
One of the most common causes of a snapped drive shaft is metal fatigue. The shaft spins and twists constantly while you drive. And after years, that movement wears the metal down. Rust can increase the risk of a broken drive shaft by eating away at the metal surface and making it easier for cracks to form.
Another common cause is worn or dry U-joints. Friction builds up when these joints dry out and that friction causes vibration and imbalance. Too much friction can therefore cause a drive shaft to snap.
Sometimes, a single hard impact like hitting a curb can bend the shaft just enough to start the damage. It may not break immediately but that small bend can lead to a full failure with continued driving.
What are the signs before a drive shaft snaps?
You will likely notice some signs before the drive shaft breaks completely. For example, you may feel a vibration under the seat or floor that gets stronger the faster you drive. You may also hear a soft clunking or tapping sound while driving. Other signs can include rattling noises when shifting gears, squeaking sounds at low speeds, shuddering during acceleration or difficulty turning smoothly.
If you notice any of these signs, you should immediately visit your local drive shaft repair specialist in Chicago, Illinois.
What should you do if your drive shaft snaps while you are driving?
If your drive shaft snaps while you are driving, try not to slam on the brakes. Sudden braking can make the car harder to control. What you should do instead is hold the steering wheel firm and let the car slow down naturally.
As the car loses speed, guide it carefully toward the side of the road and stop in a safe spot. Once the car has stopped, turn on your hazard lights and call for a tow truck.
How do mechanics fix a broken drive shaft?
Once your car is towed to your local drive shaft repair specialist in Chicago, Illinois, the mechanic will check the underside of your car to see the damage. They will check the transmission, U-joints, differential, center support bearing and CV joints to make sure nothing else was affected when the shaft broke.
If the drive shaft needs to be replaced, the mechanic will install and balance the new one. They will run tests to make sure everything is working smoothly. After that, they will take your car for a short test drive to confirm that all vibrations and noises are gone.
Looking for a drive shaft repair specialist in Chicago, Illinois?
If you have noticed vibrations, shuddering during acceleration, clunking sounds when shifting or difficulty turning, it’s best to have your car checked by a drive shaft repair specialist in Chicago, Illinois as soon as possible. At King Transmission Company, our mechanics can repair or replace your drive shaft to restore your car’s performance. Contact us today to schedule your service.
