Your drive shaft has a simple but very crucial job. It sends power from the transmission to the wheels so your car can move. You barely notice it when it is balanced. But when the drive shaft falls out of balance, you will start to see some subtle (and some not-so-subtle) cues.
Below, this drive shaft repair company in Lombard, Illinois is going to explain what an imbalanced drive shaft looks and feels like.
Why does a drive shaft need to stay balanced in the first place?
When you accelerate, the drive shaft sends the engine’s torque to the wheels so the car can move. Because it spins at very high speeds, it needs to stay properly balanced. Even a small dent or a missing balancing weight can disrupt its smooth rotation.
Anyway, if you ever notice any unusual vibration or sound, you should bring your car to a professional drive shaft repair company in Lombard, Illinois. They will be able to determine whether the shaft’s balance has been affected.
There are a few ways an imbalance like this can develop. For one, it can happen after a sudden impact. To give you an example, hitting a pothole can bend the shaft or knock off a balancing weight. In other cases, damaged U-joints or support bearings throw the shaft out of balance.
Even normal wear over time can slowly affect alignment and cause the shaft to rotate unevenly. You will start to feel vibrations and there will be more pressure on the drivetrain.
What are the signs that your drive shaft is out of balance?
Vibration is usually the first sign when a drive shaft falls out of balance. This vibration generally gets stronger as your speed increases and you may feel it through the seat or even the steering column. You may also hear weird sounds from under the car. When you notice things like this, it’s best to take your car to your local drive shaft repair company in Lombard, Illinois for an inspection.
Some drivers also notice problems with steering or turning. If turning feels harder than normal or if you sense resistance when cornering, it could imply a driveline problem. A damaged or imbalanced drive shaft can interfere with smooth power delivery and affect the car’s handling.
You may also feel jerking or shuddering during acceleration. When the drive shaft can’t rotate evenly under load, the car may lurch or shake instead of accelerating smoothly.
Why is it risky to brush off these signs?
Ignoring the early signs of a drive shaft problem can be disastrous. What starts as a small vibration or shuddering can slowly damage the drive shaft and other parts of the drivetrain. And the longer you let these problems go unaddressed, the bigger (and more expensive) the repairs will become.
On top of mechanical damage, a faulty driveshaft also impacts your car’s safety and stability. For example, if a U-joint fails, you could lose power or experience total driveline failure while driving. Therefore, you must take these signs seriously.
Because the drive shaft is responsible for sending engine power to the wheels, any trouble with it can affect your car’s acceleration and overall handling.
Looking for a drive shaft repair company in Lombard, Illinois?
If you’re noticing signs of an imbalanced drive shaft, you should have your car checked by a drive shaft repair company in Lombard, Illinois as soon as possible. At King Transmission Company, our mechanics can diagnose and repair all types of drive shaft problems. Contact us today to schedule your service.
