What You Should Do If You Encounter Issues with Your Vehicle Propshaft
Many people love to own a rear-wheel-drive car, as they prefer its performance characteristics and the way that it handles in most conditions. Yet, with a car like this, you may find some unusual problems that you might not encounter in a vehicle with a different configuration. In particular, you may face issues with the propshaft, so what do you need to know about this component?
Connecting the Engine to the Differential
The driven wheels are a long way from the engine with this type of car. While the motor produces the energy and the associated gearbox regulates its performance, you will still need a fairly sizeable part to connect the gearbox to the rear differential.
How the Propshaft Works
This is where the propshaft comes into its own. It is essentially a long cylinder with an attachment that fits into the back of the gearbox and connects with the output shaft. At the other end of the cylinder is a universal joint bolted to the rear axle and connecting to the limited-slip differential. As the engine crankshaft turns, so does the gearbox shaft, which will then cause the propshaft to rotate, activating the crown wheel and pinion at the rear.
Operating in a Harsh Environment
The propshaft is quite a simple device, and all it has to do is turn to transmit the power to the right place. However, it does need to turn at some speed and exists in a hostile environment. After all, it is exposed to moisture and road debris as it sits within a transmission tunnel underneath the chassis.
Universal Joint Issues
More often than not, issues arise around the universal joint. This device is meant to regulate the position of the propshaft in relation to the rear axle, given that the axle will move up and down with road undulations. The joint allows the propshaft to move in various directions while turning at the same time. So, if the new joint starts to wear, you'll begin to notice a lot of unwanted vibration. You may also hear a low pitched noise when you speed up or slow down. In addition, you may hear a pronounced "thud" whenever you select a gear and the propshaft starts to turn.
What You Should Do Next
If you suspect issues with your propshaft, you should take action as soon as possible. If the vibration becomes serious, it could affect the gearbox or transmission and cause knock-on damage elsewhere. So, call your mechanic and schedule an inspection instead.
Reach out to an auto repair shop for more information.
