What are the symptoms of a loose universal joint?
2 Answers
The symptoms of a loose universal joint are: 1. Abnormal noises and oil leakage in the car; 2. The car's steering wheel becomes uncontrollable; 3. The car's direction wobbles or deviates. A universal joint is a component in a car that changes the angle to transmit force, altering the position of the car's drive shaft axis direction. It serves as the joint part of the universal drive in the car's drive system, combined with the car's drive shaft to form the universal joint drive assembly. In front-engine, rear-wheel-drive vehicles, the universal joint drive assembly is typically installed between the transmission output shaft and the drive axle's main reducer input shaft. The universal joint plays a role between the front axle half-shaft, which is responsible for both driving and steering, and the wheels.
If you hear a clicking or clanking metal sound from the chassis while driving, especially noticeable during turns or acceleration/deceleration, it's likely a loose universal joint. I've personally experienced this issue - initially mistaking it for chassis scraping, but later discovering it was the universal joint at the repair shop. A loose universal joint can also cause abnormal steering wheel vibrations during driving, most noticeable at low speeds, similar to unbalanced tires. The most dangerous symptom is when the car jerks during sharp turns, as if the power suddenly cuts out. I remember once on the highway when the car suddenly started swaying side to side - fortunately, timely inspection revealed the universal joint issue. Continuing to drive could have led to complete driveshaft detachment. Regular attention to chassis noises and periodic checks for cracked rubber bushings can help detect potential problems early.
