What are the methods to determine if a driveshaft is broken?
2 Answers
Methods to determine if a driveshaft is broken: 1. Buzzing sound: If a "buzzing" sound comes from the chassis while driving, and the sound increases with higher speeds, this is a sign of a broken driveshaft. Common failures of the driveshaft are usually caused by wear and looseness of the universal joint cross shaft and bearings, wear of the driveshaft center bearing, damage to the center rubber support or loose brackets, or incorrect positioning of the bracket. When the car is under heavy load, especially when driving on bumpy roads, occasional knocking sounds may occur. It is important to check whether the center and rear axle balance shafts are misaligned and interfering with the driveshaft. 2. Car vibration: If the noise increases with the speed of the car and is accompanied by vibration, this common driveshaft issue is usually due to the driveshaft losing balance. This vibration is most noticeable inside the cabin. The unbalance amount of the driveshaft dynamic balance should be less than 100g.c1. Severe failure of the driveshaft dynamic balance can lead to damage to related components.
Having driven for decades, I've found that the most common symptom of a failing driveshaft is vibration issues. When you step on the accelerator, the car body shakes like a sieve, especially noticeable at low speeds, while it stabilizes more at higher speeds due to gear balance problems. Another sign is strange noises - you might hear clunking sounds when turning or accelerating, like metal pieces colliding, which could come from worn universal joints. I've also tried pulling up the handbrake, putting it in D gear, and lightly pressing the gas pedal; if there are odd noises, the bearings might be damaged. Regular checks for oil leaks around the driveshaft are crucial - if the oil seal breaks, fluid will leak. Once spotted, repairs should be done immediately, as sudden disconnection while driving is extremely dangerous. I recall encountering this issue ten years ago with my old Santana, which nearly caused an accident. That's why I now inspect the undercarriage monthly - safety always comes first.
