The drive shaft is part of the drivetrain of the car. The drive shaft's job is to transfer driving force between two parts, in this case the power from the gearbox and engine to the wheels. In the case of a front-wheel drive car, the drive shaft is attached to the gearbox on the inside and to the knuckle piece on the outside. The outside protrudes through the wheel bearing hubs, causing it to rotate with the drive of the axle. In the case of a rear-wheel drive car, a mounting propshaft (intermediate shaft) runs from the gearbox (front of the car) to the mounting propshaft at the rear of the car. This cardan is then prohibited again with two drive shafts that ensure that the rear wheels are driven. Then there are four-wheel drive cars. In this case, the front-wheel drive works the same as a front-wheel drive car and the rear-wheel drive works the same as a rear-wheel drive car.
This drive shaft consists of a connecting shaft with a CV joint and a CV boot on both sides. The CV joint is used when the shaft is not in a straight line. In some cases it is necessary that it absorbs corners. The CV joint makes it possible for a car to make a steering angle. The CV boot, or drive axle boot, ensures that no dirt can reach the CV joint. Because the drivetrain of the car is used a lot, these parts are also subject to wear.
Drive shaft broken symptoms
A drive shaft can therefore become worn, which can cause mechanical damage to the various parts of the shaft. Car manufacturers do not specify a standard lifespan for this car part. But how do you actually recognize a broken drive shaft? There are a number of symptoms that indicate a defect;
- Ticking sound while steering;
- Ticking sound while accelerating;
- Vibration while driving;
- Car pulls to one side while driving;
- Car no longer drives in a straight line;
- Problems while shifting;
- Oil stains under CV joint while standing still;
- Visual damage drive shaft, CV joint or boot.
Replace drive shaft
If you recognize any of the above symptoms, there is a chance that the drive shaft is broken. But, in many cases it can also only be about the CV joint. This is a more common defect that is often caused by a defective drive shaft cover. When the boot is defective, dirt and moisture can reach the CV joint. In addition, the grease will run out of the CV joint. Both cases are disastrous for the CV joint. Do you want to replace the CV joint? Then it is recommended to replace the entire drive shaft. This is because the drive shaft has made just as many kilometers as the CV joint and is also subject to wear. If there is damage to the drive shaft, you will of course have to replace it completely.
Buy drive shaft
Buying new drive shafts is done quickly and easily at Winparts. You can simply enter your car model on the site and the suitable products for your car will be shown. You can choose from various top brands such as SKF, GSP, FEBI and Blue Print. You can also contact us for other parts for the undercarriage of your car. For example, we sell shock absorbers, anti-roll bars, lowering springs and bump stops.