Signs of a Driveshaft Fail on a Truck
Signs of a Driveshaft Fail on a Truck
Posted on March 2, 2021
A driveshaft failure isn't an event any truck driver would willingly experience. In the least serious cases, a bad driveshaft makes it more difficult to corner and reduces the truck's handling capabilities. At the very worst, a full driveshaft failure can make a rig impossible to control, with all the obvious dangers that would cause.
Regular servicing of your truck will help ensure the driveshaft and its connections stay in good condition to keep working correctly. But to avoid disastrous damage and the risk of accident, it's also important to know the signs that a truck's driveshaft is starting to fail so that you can take prompt action to fix the problem. Here are six important symptoms to look out for.
1) Excessive Vibrations
Unusual vibrations coming from underneath your truck are a sure sign of a mechanical problem. If the shuddering and jolting happens at all speeds, and also whether you're turning or driving in a straight line, it's likely that the driveshaft is starting to become uncoupled from its u-joints and bearings. Book your truck in for a repair immediately, as what starts as a minor connection problem can quickly escalate to cause serious damage to the driveshaft itself.
2) Clunking During Gear Shifts
Another audible symptom of an impending driveshaft fail is a clunking sound appearing when you shift gears. This is often the result of broken u-joints stopping the driveshaft from moving freely, resulting in the distinctive clunking and scraping noises.
3) Shuddering Under Acceleration
More shuddering and jolting can also happen when you press down on your truck's gas pedal. This can be caused by faulty u-joints or bearings, but in either case it's important to get a mechanic's opinion before the problem gets any worse.
4) Squeaking at Low Speeds
Squeaking or squealing noises coming from underneath the truck when you're driving at low speeds usually means the u-joints need lubricating. This is a minor job that an experienced mechanic can do in moments, and it can prevent much more serious driveshaft problems from developing.
5) Poor Turning Performance
If your truck suddenly develops problems with turning, it's essential to have it inspected without delay. The issue could be down to the driveshaft or elsewhere in the steering, but the truck can't be safely driven until the problem is identified and fixed.
6) Unusual Clicking
The final sign to be alert to is a strange clicking or whirring with no obvious cause. These noises can be caused by a worn or broken connection between the truck's transmission and driveshaft. Again, speak to a mechanic urgently to rule out any driveshaft problems before a complete failure can occur and badly damage the vehicle's drivetrain.
If you spot any of these warning signs, don't be tempted to ignore the problem. A full driveshaft failure is an incredibly dangerous event, especially if your truck is hauling a heavy load. Call us to book a full inspection to isolate the reason for the warning signs, and we'll get you safely back on the road as soon as possible.