What are the causes of abnormal noise in the drive shaft?
4 Answers
Drive shaft abnormal noise causes are: 1. Wear of the spline teeth connecting the transmission output shaft and drive shaft, resulting in excessive clearance; 2. Wear and looseness of the drive shaft universal joint bearings; 3. Loss of dynamic balance weights on the drive shaft or unqualified dynamic balance of the drive shaft; 4. Failure to periodically apply grease. The function of the drive shaft is: Together with the transmission and drive axle, it transmits the engine's power to the wheels, generating driving force for the vehicle. The hazards of drive shaft damage are: 1. Occasional momentary pauses in the rotation of gears on the shaft; 2. Eccentric rotation and wobble of pulleys on the shaft; 3. Periodic meshing and rotation noise from gears on the shaft; 4. Reduction in diameter at the shaft's fitting area with rolling bearings.
Last time I was driving on the highway, I suddenly heard a buzzing sound from the chassis, like a free-spinning bearing rotating. It scared me so much that I immediately slowed down. Problems with the driveshaft are no joke. The most common issue is wear in the central universal joint, which creaks when turning. Another possibility is loose or damaged bearings, causing the entire driveshaft to wobble while driving. If the balancing weight falls off, it's even more troublesome—the whole cabin vibrates at high speeds. These issues are usually caused by daily wear and tear from rough roads, especially in older cars. If you've ever scraped the undercarriage or hit the chassis, be extra cautious—a bent driveshaft can also produce knocking sounds. Don't ignore these noises; get to a repair shop ASAP and have them lift the car for inspection. A failing drivetrain could leave you stranded on the road.
Over the years, I've worked on quite a few modified cars, and driveline noise is a common issue. The main culprit is usually excessive play in the universal joint cross bearings - you'll hear distinct clicking sounds during turns. Another frequent problem is failing support bearings, which make the car sound like there's a helicopter spinning underneath. Many people overlook loose driveline coupling bolts too; they'll clunk loudly on rough roads. For those with aftermarket exhausts, watch out for pipes positioned too close to the driveshaft - vibration contact creates annoying squealing. My buddy's car recently had deteriorated balancing weight bushings causing intense floorboard vibrations above 50 mph; replacing those bushings instantly solved it. Addressing driveshaft issues early is actually quite affordable, but neglect can eventually damage the transmission.
Don't panic if you notice regular abnormal noises from the chassis—it's likely a driveshaft issue. Lack of grease in the universal joint causes squeaking, while a damaged bearing produces a humming sound with vibration. Focus on checking the clearance of the cross joint; if there's play when shaking the driveshaft, it needs replacement. For modified vehicles, also verify the driveshaft angle—incorrect installation often leads to noise. If the balancing weight is loose, vibrations become more noticeable at higher speeds. Drive slowly over speed bumps to extend the driveshaft's lifespan.
