Symptoms Of A Bad Drive Shaft
The reason anyone gets a car is to be able to get from point A to point B with as little hassle as possible. Sure, people could carpool or take the bus, but it’s so much more convenient to drive their own car. Well, it’s convenient when the car works, anyway. Cars have a way of breaking down at the most unexpected and inconvenient times. That’s why it’s important for drivers to recognize when there is something wrong with any part of their car. People need to realize when something is not right and take care of it right away. Read further to learn what the symptoms are when a drive shaft goes bad.
First, it’s important to know what a drive shaft is. It’s the rotating object or shaft that carries the power from the engine to the point of impact. Basically, it’s what helps your car to go from a stopped position to a go position. Without a proper functioning drive shaft, a car with its driver would not be able to go. Although, it usually doesn’t break all at once. Usually there are signs leading up to its complete and utter malfunction. These signs or symptoms, if caught early enough, can reduce the chances of a vehicle breaking down at the most inopportune time.
One of the first symptoms one might notice if their drive shaft is going bad might be the fact that there will be new vibrations when the car is in drive. These vibrations will be more noticeable than the regular hum of an engine. Every car vibrates, after all. It’s impossible not to with a running motor. The difference, though, is that it will feel significantly different than when it was working properly. These vibrations will be completely noticeable which means when anyone notices higher vibrations, they should check their universal joints and driveshafts to make certain they are in proper order.
The time when the symptoms will be the most noticeable is when one is accelerating in the first two gears. Typically, the vibrations will come from the rear end of the car as opposed to the front end. Many people reading this may be wondering how someone can possibly tell if the vibrations are coming from the front end or the back end. Basically, the vibrations will be so noticeable that it will not be hard to guess which direction they are coming from. Another symptom is often the passenger side especially will feel like it is continuously spinning out on gravel. Typically, these symptoms are most prevalent in the first and second gears. Be sure to get it checked out and taken care of as soon as possible to prevent any further damage.