While any rear wheel drive vehicle can have a universal joint, they're typically found on pickups and SUVs. U-joints connect the driveshaft to the transmission and rear differential, and they allow for a change in the angle of the driveline. This way, the vehicle's rear axle can move up and down without breaking the driveshaft.
When a u-joint begins to fail, it's normal to notice clunking during gear shifts, grinding during a turn, or even vibrations at higher speeds. Here are the three most common causes of u-joint failures:
1. Normal Wear and Tear
Almost everything on a functioning vehicle will fail over time, and u-joints are no exception. U-joints suffer a lot of wear and tear, especially on vehicles that go off-road or tow often.
Proper lubrication will significantly extend the life of your vehicle's u-joints, and lubricated u-joints will have suggested maintenance intervals. Some u-joints, however, have "closed" or sealed designs that prevent the addition of lubricant.
2. Misalignment
When the rear differential or gearbox mounting is modified, the driveshaft may become misaligned. Misalignment generates excessive vibration, which can physically "shake" the u-joint apart, damage seals that limit lubrication, and eventually cause the u-joint to fail.
Using a raise kit or bigger tires might shorten the life of a u-joint. If a vehicle is adjusted in this way, it is a good idea to verify the u-joints to ensure that the angles remain within specification.
3. Loose Connections
The bolts holding the u-joints in place, whether to the driveshaft, transmission, or differential, can become loose or fall out completely. This is frequently caused by rust, extreme jolting or vibration, or the bolts not being correctly torqued into position. This could also be caused by a damaged or cracked gearbox or differential housing.
Of fact, these three explanations do not account for all u-joint failures. Overtorquing and excessive duty (racing, towing more than the recommended payload, vigorous off-roading, etc.) can also cause damage. Vehicles with significantly modified engines may also experience u-joint breakdowns.
Knowing the Cause of Failure Is Key To Correct Replacement
When it's time to replace a u-joint, it's essential to know the cause of the existing u-joints failure. Likewise, if the vehicle owner isn't aware of the importance of u-joint lubrication, they may end up needing another set of u-joints much sooner than expected.
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