Driveline Repair

At United Tire & Service, we provide driveline repair services for Montgomery County, Chester County, Delaware County, Bucks County, and Lehigh County. Should you need driveline services in the Greater Philadelphia Area or in another location we serve, we invite you to contact your nearest service center for assistance. We've been the trusted name in tires and automotive repair services for over three decades and counting, with satisfied drivers across the Commonwealth.

Driveline Purpose & Proper Operation

The driveline transmits power from the engine to the wheels, enabling your vehicle to move. It consists of several key components, including the transmission, driveshaft, differential, and axles. The transmission converts the engine's output into usable torque and speed, allowing you to select the appropriate gear ratios for different driving conditions. The driveshaft transfers this power from the transmission to the differential, which distributes it to the wheels via the axles.

Driveline systems vary depending on whether you have front-wheel-drive (FWD), rear-wheel-drive (RWD), all-wheel-drive (AWD) or 4-wheel-drive (4WD), but in all cases, power is created by your engine, pushed through your transmission, and transmitted to your wheels through a system of driveline components.

Front-wheel-drive - In a FWD vehicle, power is transmitted to the ground via the front wheels. Because the front wheels are responsible for steering as well as moving the car, a pair of shafts called constant velocity shafts must spin and turn at the same time. Constant velocity shafts, or half shafts, connect to your wheels via a special bearing called a CV joint. The power and turning forces on these joints can wear out the bearings. The CV joints are protected by thick rubber boots which keep dirt out and lubricating grease in. These boots tend to crack and split, introducing grit that contaminates the grease and causes bearing failure.

Rear-wheel-drive - As the name suggests, rear-wheel-drive vehicles push power to the back via a driveshaft or prop-shaft. Angular rotation is handled by bearings called u-joints. Impending u-joint failure or misalignment of the driveshaft can cause vibration and a loud humming noise, especially during deceleration. There is a u-joint at each end of your driveshaft, and if the front joint breaks lose the driveshaft can fall to the ground and act like a vaulter's pole, causing your car, truck or SUV to come to an abrupt stop or to flip forward. Rear joint breakage can cause the driveshaft to fall out of your transmission which will lose its fluid or cause your driveshaft to swing around and bash up the underbody. Drive shaft failure is a safety hazard and can cause significant damage to the rear differential, transmission, underbody and the driveshaft itself.

All-wheel drive - AWD systems vary in some very technical ways, but they all utilize drivelines that can push power to all four wheels automatically to manage low traction situations and provide better handling. AWD systems employ both fixed drive shafts and CV shafts.

4-wheel-drive - These systems allow you to choose between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive via a button or lever. Like their AWD cousins, 4-wheel-drive systems utilize both drive shafts and CV shafts in their drivelines.

Driveline Maintenance

The driveline requires regular maintenance, such as fluid changes and inspections of wean-and-tear components. The system must be free of excessive play or binding to provide smooth power delivery and efficient performance. Any issues within the driveline may lead to decreased performance, increased fuel consumption, or even complete failure, making it important for you to be attentive to unusual noises or handling characteristics that indicate a concern.

Signs My Vehicle Requires a Driveline Repair

Driveline issues can often be confused with tire problems, as both share similar symptoms. If you observe any of the following, have your driveline and tires checked by United Tire & Service to identify the cause:

• Unusual noises (clunking, grinding) when accelerating or decelerating
• Vibrations felt in the steering wheel or throughout the vehicle, especially during deceleration
• Difficulty shifting gears or slipping out of gear
• Fluid leaks under the vehicle, particularly near the transmission or differential
• Warning lights on the dashboard related to the drivetrain
• Increased fuel consumption or poor performance
• Burning smell from the transmission area
• Cracks or tears on the rubber CV boots
• Failure to move when you put your car in gear
• Hopping or lurching during acceleration

When you bring your vehicle to United Tire & Service, we will test drive the car, if operational, to feel out possible driveline problems. We will perform a complete inspection of the driveline components and tires to further identify the issue. After we locate the cause, our qualified technicians will provide a clear overview of our findings, suggest the proper repair, and professionally perform the required tire or driveline services using top quality components.

United Tire & Service Offers Automotive Driveline or Driveshaft Repair in PA

If you suspect you're experiencing issues with your vehicle's driveline, don’t wait until a minor frustration becomes a major headache. Our expert team is here to provide the highest quality driveline repair services, ensuring your vehicle runs reliably and efficiently. With our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, you can trust us to get you back on the road.

Contact us to schedule an appointment or to learn more about how we can help you maintain the performance of your vehicle. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we look forward to serving you!

We have locations across Pennsylvania serving Concordville, PA; Phoenixville, PA; Willow Grove, PA; Paoli, PA; Southampton, PA; Feasterville, PA; Emmaus, PA; Emmaus, PA; West Chester, PA; and Downingtown, PA. We're proud to be your local provider of tires and auto repair services.