What is the reason for a slight gap in the half shaft causing a knocking sound on bumpy roads?
2 Answers
A slight gap in the half shaft causing a knocking sound on bumpy roads is due to loose half shaft screws, which result in a loose connection at the half shaft joint, producing abnormal noise. There are usually two reasons for abnormal noise in a car's half shaft: 1. Loose half shaft screws causing a loose connection at the half shaft joint, leading to abnormal noise (this can be directly observed). 2. Broken teeth on the differential planetary gears, where the noise typically becomes more prominent when turning left or right or during normal driving. Additional relevant information is as follows: 1. If a car's half shaft is damaged, it can cause abnormal shaking while driving and produce abnormal noises. If the half shaft is damaged, it should be replaced immediately. It is recommended to choose original equipment manufacturer (OEM) products when replacing the half shaft and to have it installed by a professional shop. 2. The half shaft is the component that transmits power to the wheels. Without a half shaft, power cannot be transmitted to the wheels. The half shaft may experience deformation or breakage.
My old car also had this kind of clunking noise before, which was really annoying. If there's play in the driveshaft area, the most common issue is a faulty CV joint. When the outer CV joint wears out, the small bearings inside will have excessive clearance and collide with each other when the wheels go over bumps at uneven heights. It sounds like metal banging against an iron bucket—clank, clank. If the inner CV joint is worn, you might even feel steering wheel vibrations during acceleration. Worn splines can also cause noise, like jingling keys. This metallic clashing sound is different from the dull creaking noise of aging suspension bushings. I recommend getting it checked as soon as possible. Last time at the repair shop, I saw the mechanic remove a worn CV joint—the entire boot was split, all the grease had leaked out, and the metal parts were visibly grooved. If not replaced promptly, it could lead to axle failure and a breakdown.
