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Your driveline is responsible for getting engine power to the ground. 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 then transmitted to your wheels via a system of driveline components.
Front-wheel-drive - In an 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.
CV joint failure typically causes a clunking noise when you turn your car under power. By the time you hear that clunk the bearings are already failing. When they finally go bad you will not be able to get power to the ground and your car will no longer move. Half shaft replacement will be required.
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 issues can often be confused with tire problems as both can cause many of the same symptoms. If you observe any of the following, have your driveline and your tires checked by United Tire & Service to identify the cause:
When you bring your driveline issues to United Tire & Service we will test drive the car, if operational, to feel out possible driveline problems. We will then perform a complete inspection of the driveline components and tires to further identify the issue. When we have found the problem our team of qualified technicians will provide a clear overview of the issue, suggest the proper repair and professionally perform required service using top quality components.
Whether or not we find an issue, we will help you establish a regular maintenance plan so you will have a path forward to maintain your car. Call United Tire & Service today and make an appointment to have your car, truck or SUV inspected and repaired today. We're proud to be your local provider of tires and auto repair services.
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