What are the symptoms of a broken driveshaft in a sedan?
3 Answers
Symptoms of a broken driveshaft in a sedan: 1. There is a knocking sound from the driveshaft when starting the car or shifting gears while driving, especially noticeable when driving at low speeds in high gear; 2. No abnormal sound from the driveshaft when starting the car, but knocking sounds occur while driving; 3. No abnormal sound from the driveshaft when starting the car, but strange noises appear when the car is coasting; 4. Continuous noise throughout the entire driving process. The driveshaft is the component in the universal transmission device that transmits power, functioning as a high-speed, minimally supported rotating body. Generally, driveshafts undergo dynamic balancing tests before leaving the factory and are adjusted on balancing machines. For front-engine, rear-wheel-drive vehicles, the driveshaft transmits the rotation from the transmission to the final drive axle. It can consist of multiple sections connected by universal joints.
Last time my cousin's Lavida driveshaft failed, the symptoms were unmistakable! Accelerating produced loud 'clanging' noises from the undercarriage, like someone was hitting it with an iron rod. The steering wheel vibrated so violently it was hard to hold, and above 40 km/h the entire seat felt like a massage chair. The scariest part was the metallic 'clunk-clunk' sounds during deceleration, as if the car was about to fall apart. The mechanic explained that worn universal joint causes driveshaft imbalance, and such vibrations can damage transmission mounts. Had it failed at highway speeds, the driveshaft could've punctured the floorpan – still gives me chills thinking about it. If you experience similar symptoms, never push your luck; pull over immediately and call a tow truck.
I remember vividly when the driveshaft on my old Passat failed last year: no abnormalities at startup, but once speed hit around 60 km/h, a high-frequency 'whirring' noise suddenly came from the chassis, making the accelerator pedal vibrate so intensely my foot went numb. Going over speed bumps was even worse - a loud 'clang' like the undercarriage was scraping the ground. The mechanic had me roll down the window to listen, and sure enough, there was an especially harsh metal grinding noise during turns. He said the center support bearing of the driveshaft had worn out, causing eccentric rotation of the shaft, and if left unrepaired, the universal joints would eventually be ruined too. My advice: if you notice cabin vibrations accompanied by rhythmic abnormal noises, check the tires first. If they're fine, there's an 80% chance it's the driveshaft acting up.
