What Causes Halfshaft Noise?
2 Answers
There are typically two reasons for halfshaft noise in vehicles: 1. Loose halfshaft bolts causing connection point play and generating noise (this condition is visually detectable). 2. Broken teeth on differential planetary gears, where the noise usually becomes more pronounced during normal driving when turning left/right or cornering. Additional relevant information: 1. If a vehicle's halfshaft is damaged, it will cause abnormal vibration during driving and produce unusual noises. If the halfshaft is damaged, immediate replacement is required. When replacing halfshafts, it's recommended to choose OEM products and have them installed by professional technicians. 2. The halfshaft is the component that transmits power to the wheels. Without halfshafts, power cannot reach the wheels. Halfshafts may experience deformation or fracture.
As a craftsman who often helps friends with car repairs, I've seen quite a few cases of driveshaft noise. The most common issue is a damaged outer CV boot, where sand and dirt get in and wear out the universal joint. You'll hear a clicking sound when turning, like someone threw gravel into the wheel. Sometimes it's a loose inner CV joint, causing a thumping vibration during straight-line acceleration. Last time, Brother Li's car was even more extreme—the driveshaft was so bent and deformed that the wheel was practically dancing. Those who've modified their cars with larger rims need to be especially careful, as factory driveshafts can't handle the stress and tend to deform. When I work on cars, I usually lift the vehicle and shake the tire first; if there's play, it's most likely a driveshaft issue. But for an accurate diagnosis, you still need to disassemble and inspect, since a bad differential can make similar noises.
