What Are the Symptoms of a Bad Half Shaft?

[LeLincoln]

The symptoms of a bad half shaft include abnormal shaking and unusual noises while driving. The half shaft, also known as the drive shaft, is the component that transmits torque from the transmission and differential to the drive wheels. It has universal joints at both ends, which connect to the differential gear and the wheel hub bearing inner ring via splines on the universal joints. Depending on the support type, half shafts can be either fully floating or semi-floating. A fully floating half shaft only transmits torque and does not bear any reaction forces or bending moments, making it easy to install and remove. A semi-floating half shaft, on the other hand, transmits torque while also bearing all reaction forces and bending moments. It has a simpler support structure and lower cost, but it is more difficult to remove and install.