A u-joint may be a small part, but it plays an important role in the smooth operation of your drivetrain. U-joints should last the life of the vehicle, but sometimes that's not the case. U-joints can go bad over time.
If your u-joints go bad, it would be unwise to put off replacing them.
What Does A U-Joint Do?
A basic driveshaft consisting of one piece has two u-joints. The u-joints have multiple functions.
· One functions as the driveshaft and transmission's connecting element.
· The other is the driveshaft and differential linkage.
· They assist in transferring engine power to the differential.
· They permit the driveshaft to flex in trucks and older cars in order to facilitate the up-and-down movement of the back axle.
Newer trucks often have two piece driveshafts. These usually have three u-joints, with one at each end, and one in the middle.
Signs Of A Bad U-Joint
It's likely that one of your u-joints is nearing the end of its life if you observe any or all of the following symptoms.
· Making a clunking or creaking sound when moving from drive to reverse or the other way around
· Feeling vibrations across the entire car when traveling at fast speeds
· Fluid leak from the transfer case or transmission's back
· Fluid seeping from the differential's front
Expensive Consequences Of Ignoring Failing U-Joints
Ignoring a malfunctioning u-joint can cause more costly issues in the future. Now, let's discuss some of the most typical outcomes that occur when u-joints finally give out:
1. Leaking Transmission
The vibrations caused by a bad u-joint cause the driveshaft's stub shaft to rotate out of round. This causes the transmission's rear seal to fail. Fluid will leak out of the transmission. If the transmission loses some fluid, it can't shift right. It would only do hard shifts. If the fluid gets low enough, the transmission will eventually fail. The same thing can happen to a transfer case.
2. Leaking Differential
Similar to how the transmission seal can be destroyed, a faulty u-joint at the back of the driveshaft can also destroy the pinion seal.
3. Damaged Bearings
If they go on long enough, the vibrations from a bad u-joint can damage any of these bearings:
· The transmission output bearing (if there is no transfer case)
· The transfer case output bearing
· The pinion bearing
4. Damaged Driveshaft
If a damaged u-joint is not replaced, it will eventually break apart. When the driveshaft disengages from the transmission or differential while you are driving, that is when they fall apart. This will presumably destroy other components underneath the car in addition to the driveshaft, and if you're lucky, you'll coast to a halt. After that, your only option will be to pay hundreds of dollars for a tow truck. Plus, an emergency repair will cost a lot more money.
5. Serious Collision
U-joints frequently break during severe acceleration. For instance, a catastrophic collapse on an on-ramp to a highway could be quite problematic. When it occurs, your vehicle will lose power and could collide violently with the vehicle or vehicles trailing you.
U-joints are instrumental to the smooth operation of the drivetrain. That's why quality replacement u-joints make a world of difference.
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