Beginners Guide To Driveshaft & U Joints

What is Driveshaft?

A drive shaft, driveshaft, driving shaft, and the tail shaft is a mechanical part that transmits torque and rotation, and it is generally utilized to connect other parts of a drivetrain which cannot be connected directly because of distance.

What are U Joints?

A Universal Joint is a joint or coupling connecting rigid rods whose axes are disposed to each other. This type of joint is generally used in shafts that transmit rotary motion.

Are you searching how the driveshaft & U joints work? Then all you have to do is to have a look below and then you will be able to understand everything.

How Do Driveshaft Work?

Torque is the force that is transmitted by the drive shaft. The driveshafts are made flexible because they have to face a lot of conditions that could cause them to bend or break. The driveshaft must be straight as well as balanced. If this would not happen, then it would result in vibration. This can damage the parts which are connected to the drive shaft.

How Do U Joints Work?

A "U" joint is utilized at the rear of the automobile and is connected to the differential via the drive shaft. The U joint is situated on the opposite side of the driveshaft. A duplicate (in most cases) U joint is located at the opposite side of the driveshaft which is a transmission or transfer case. If you want to inspect a U joint, then the driveshaft should be removed and the U joint should be moved in every direction looking for hard spots or excessive play. There would be a presence of rust-coloured powder if there is a failure in the U joint and it will require replacement.

Frequent Problems with Driveshaft

Have a look at some frequent problems with driveshaft:

1. The bearings or bushings might not function properly

2. The U-joints might turn bad

3. The drive shaft might get dislocated

Frequent Problems with U Joints

Have a look at some frequent problems with u-joints:

1. There might be normal wear and tear

2. Sometimes there might be an issue of misalignment

3. The connections might be loose

Symptoms Of Bad Driveshaft:

Willing to know the symptoms of the faulty driveshaft? Have a look below:

1. There might be some vibrations

2. You might start hearing a clunking noise

3. Issues related to squeaking noise

4. Flaws in the universal joint movement

5. There might be some issues related to the turning

Symptoms Of Bad U Joint:

Here are some symptoms of a bad or failing universal joint:

1. You might start hearing squeaking noise when you drive,  forward or reverse

2. Issues related to “Clunk” with a ringing sound when shifting from drive to reverse

3. You might start feeling vibration throughout the vehicle while moving forward at speed

4. Leakage of transmission fluid from the rear of the transmission

5. A broken U joint can dislocate the driveshaft, making the transmission unable to deliver the power to the wheels.

Are you thinking of repairing your Driveshaft & U Joints on your own? Then there is one thing which you must have, that is the right tools needed for repairing your Driveshaft & U Joints. It is essential to make sure that you are outfitted with the right tools to get the work done properly. Have a look at some tools which you might need to get started with your repair work:

Tools Needed For Driveshaft

• Drain pan

• Floor jack and jack stands

• Marker

• Mechanic’s gloves

• Ratchets and sockets

• Safety glasses

• Screwdrivers

• Shop rags

• Wrench set

Tools Needed For U Joints

• Extensions

• Hammer

• Pliers

• Ratchets

• Sockets

• Screwdrivers

• Shop rags

• U-joints

• Wrench set

For vehicle owners' choices, the brands matter a lot. You might pay for a specific car part brand, over time, as it has created a perception of quality, stability, and trust. Some leading car parts brands are more than just products or services as they give rise to memories and emotions related to quality. So have a look at some top brands for Driveshaft & U Joints.

• Dorman (Oe Solutions) Driveshaft & U Joints

• Moog Driveshaft & U Joints

• Beck/Arnley Driveshaft & U Joints

• Cardone Industries Driveshaft & U Joints

• SKF Driveshaft & U Joints

• Acdelco Professional Driveshaft & U Joints

• Yukon Gear & Axle Driveshaft & U Joints

It is very important to arm yourself with information before you shop for any auto parts. We are here to help you dive deep into the names of the Driveshaft & U Joints related parts.

• Drive Shaft Coupler

• Drive Shaft Safety Loop

• Drive Shaft Flange

• Drive Shaft Kits

• Drive Shaft Repair Kits

Driveshaft & U Joints replacement cost can differ widely depending on the application, the brand of the Driveshaft & U Joints as well as who does the work. All you have to do is to replace your faulty Driveshaft & U Joints with us online and then you can leave your car to the mechanic and pick it up a few days later. Just be sure that the car mechanic is highly skilled and has a good reputation. Sometimes the additional service level might cost you more than what you have expected. We also recommend you take pictures of your car before you leave it with them so that you are sure that later on it is returned to you in an unharmed condition. 

If you want to substitute your driveshaft, then it would generally range between $470 to $940. Talking about the work expenses, they would range between $150 to $190 and the parts would be valued somewhere in the range of $320 to $490.

Keen to know about the procedure of changing the Driveshaft & U Joints? Well, we have simplified the entire procedure for you:

How To Change Driveshaft?

Follow these steps for how to replace the Driveshaft:

Step 1

The first and foremost thing which you should do is to mark the driveshaft orientation.

Step 2

After that, the shaft differential flange mounting bolts should be removed.

Step 3

Then it is essential to detach the driveshaft flange.

Step 4

Then the next step would be to unfasten the driveshaft.

Step 5

After that, it is important to inspect the U joints.

Step 6

Now before you start to re-install the driveshaft, you should apply a small amount of grease to the yoke.

Step 7

Then the flange bolts should be reinstalled.

How To Change U Joints?

You must follow these steps if you want to replace universal joints:

Step 1

Firstly, you should lift the front end of an automobile by using a floor jack. It is important to carefully place the jack stands under the front end of the frame so that stability has been ensured.

Step 2

The transmission fluid should be emptied to prevent leakage. The fill plug for the transmission should be dislodged.

Step 3

A container for the fluid should be prepared and the transmission's drain plug should be disengaged. You must ensure the integrity of the driveshaft assembly by creating reference marks.

Step 4

The mounting clips or bolts should be detached which hold the driveshaft to the transmission. The driveshaft should be removed by dislodging the yoke from the transmission.

Step 5

Make sure to stabilize the driveshaft in a vise and then the tape should be removed. The bearings from the yoke should be dislodged by detaching the retaining rings. Utilize pliers to remove the caps as they are pushed through the assembly.

Step 6

The drive shaft around in the vise should be flipped and the preceding process on the other end should be repeated. The universal joint from both the yoke and the driveshaft should be dislodged.

Step 7

All dirt and debris from the entire driveshaft assembly should be removed, assuring that it is completely clean. A small amount of grease should be applied to the replacement caps.

Step 8

Make sure to restore the bearing cap by inserting it partially into the yoke. Start installing the universal joint into the cap.

Step 9

The opposing cap should be inserted partially. Line up the universal joint and push the caps into place by utilizing a press machine. The retaining rings should be inserted. Then after that lift the driveshaft into position.

After that, it is essential to confirm that the yoke should be aligned perfectly with the shaft of the transmission. Reattach the universal joint mounting clamps or clips.

Step 10

Make sure to insert the grease fitting and then after that, you should apply the grease. You should check the universal joint to confirm the right installation. The jack stands should be carefully removed and then the vehicle should be lowered down. Be sure that you have reinserted the transmission drain plug and then refill the transmission with fluid. Then the fill plug should be replaced.