A drive shaft is a vehicle component that is responsible for transferring engine torque to the vehicle’s wheels. It’s a vital component in any automobile. Like all auto components, however, it has the possibility of becoming damaged. If the damage isn’t quickly repaired, the vehicle can take on performance issues that can quickly escalate to a safety issue.
You might be wondering: how can you tell when there’s an issue with your drive shaft? This drive shaft repair company in Hinsdale, Illinois is going to review some of the key issues you should look out for.
Sign #1: Your Vehicle Is Vibrating Violently
One of the most noticeable signs that your drive shaft needs to be repaired is that your vehicle is vibrating violently. It’s important to note here that all vehicles vibrate to a small extent. In most cases, it’s barely noticeable. The vibration you should look out for, however, is extremely noticeable.
There are other potential sources of extreme vibration. If the drive shaft is to blame, you’ll usually feel the vibration coming from the underside of the vehicle.
What causes a bad drive shaft to vibrate? In most cases, it’s due to worn bushings. These will need to be replaced for your vehicle to perform at a safe and optimal level. The longer you wait to replace them, the more wear and tear the other components of your drive shaft will take on.
Do you need help replacing them? If so, you can always reach out to your local drive shaft repair company in Hinsdale, Illinois for assistance.
Sign #2: There Are Clunking Sounds Coming from Your Vehicle
Another sign that you need drive shaft repair is that there are clunking sounds coming from your vehicle. These will most typically present themselves while your vehicle is accelerating or reversing.
What causes these clunking noises? In most cases, they come down to broken U-joints. These joints are meant to hold the components of the drive shaft in place. If they’re broken, the components will bang against one another, resulting in these clunking noises.
If you need some help replacing these U-joints, do not hesitate to get in touch with a professional mechanic.
Sign #3: There Are Squeaking Sounds Coming from Your Vehicle
It’s not just clunking sounds that you should look out for — squeaking sounds can arise from a bad drive shaft as well. Again, this is typically due to worn or broken U-joints. When these are broken, they allow the other components of the drive shaft to rub against one another. This causes squeaking sounds.
The fix, again, is to replace the broken U-joints. In most cases, this can be done relatively quickly by an experienced drive shaft repair company in Hinsdale, Illinois.
Sign #4: You’re Having Trouble Turning Your Steering Wheel
The last sign that it’s time to repair your drive shaft is that you’re having trouble turning your steering wheel. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors. That said, one of the most common factors is a damaged drive shaft.
Again, this is typically caused by worn or broken U-joints. Because they’re not holding the other components of the drive shaft in place, a great deal of friction is presenting itself, making it difficult for the steering wheel to turn.
To repair this problem, you’ll simply need to have these broken U-joints replaced by a mechanic.
Looking for a Drive Shaft Repair Company in Hinsdale, Illinois?
Is your drive shaft showing any of the signs mentioned above? If so, and if you’d like to have it checked out by the best drive shaft repair company in Hinsdale, Illinois, King Transmission Company is the place to visit. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you.