Driveline Repairs

The driveline is responsible for turning your axles, which turn the wheels of your car. When something goes wrong with your driveline, you run the risk of not being able to control which direction your vehicle is going. Don’t wait until an accident occurs, the minute you notice something is wrong with your car, call Team Automotive.

When your van, car, truck or SUV is giving you trouble, it can be tough to identify what the issue is right away. That’s why you should call Team Automotive today. We’re a trusted Sioux Falls, South Dakota auto repair shop, and we offer car, truck, van or SUV repair services for every need and budget. We understand each customer is unique, as is each vehicle. Let us know what the problem is and what kind of budget you’re working with, and we’ll create a personalized quote to meet you halfway.

The drivetrain isn’t a single piece connecting to the axles. It’s actually a series of parts that include the driveshaft, differential, axle shafts, U-joints and CV joints. Here’s a quick breakdown on what each part is and what it does.

Driveshaft

This is a long steel tube that connects to your car, van, SUV or truck’s transmission at one and, and the other end is connected to your vehicle’s wheels. When the transmission is on, the driveshaft transfers torque from the engine to your wheels.

Differential

The differential allows your wheels to spin at different speeds, which is required to keep your car, truck, SUV or van from losing grip on the road. These speed differentials are also required to keep your vehicle from pushing your wheels too hard into the tarmac, which would strain your car and can lead to wear and tear significantly faster than it would otherwise.

Axle Shafts

There are multiple types of axle rods, or shafts, that are responsible for rotating your car’s wheels while supporting the weight of your vehicle. They’re usually found in the front, rear, and “stub” of your car. Here’s a quick breakdown.

Rear Axle

This type of axle rotates with your car’s wheels and comes in two pieces, known as half shafts. These pieces are connected by the differential and are responsible for providing power from the engine to the driving wheels.

Front Axle

This axle is usually made from carbon or nickel steel so it can be extremely sturdy. There are four main parts to this axle, which are the beam, swivel pin, track rod and stub axle. Together, the pieces help steer and absorb shock from driving on an uneven road.

Stub Axle

These are attached to the front axle with kingpins on on end and they’re attached to the front wheels on the other end. These are also called stud axles and they allow your car to make angular movements when you’re steering.

U-Joints

These universal joints, also called U-Joints, are actually small pieces that connect driveshafts to differentials. It’s shaped like a cross with bearings at each end to it can move laterally or side-to-side of the driveshaft. These joints can connect the driveshaft to the transmission and also connects two driveshafts to each other in some vehicles.

CV Joints

Your car’s constant velocity joints, or CV joints, attach to both ends of your drive shafts, meaning there are a set of inner CV joints and a set of outer CV joints. The inner CV joints connect to the drive shafts and transmission, and the outer joints connect drive shafts to the wheels. These joints are required to help transfer torque from the transmission to the drive wheels, as well as assist with your car’s suspension. To keep CV joints healthy, they’re packed with grease and sealed tightly with a plastic or rubber boot. These can last for over 300,000 miles if the boot isn’t damaged.

Each part of your car’s driveline system can display symptoms indicating a problem exists. Here are a few of the most common issues you may notice from each component.

Driveshaft

• Aggressive vibrations
• Strange sounds like rattling, scraping, squeaking or loud clunking
• Difficulty turning
• Strong shudders when speeding up

Differential

• Burning smell or strong oil smell
• Unusual vibrations
• Rattling or whirring
• Oil leak under axles
• Check engine light on

Axle Shafts

• Strong vibrations regardless of speed
• Loud clanks, clunks or clicks
• Grease leak
• Car won’t move

U-Joints

• Difficulty controlling car
• Wheel vibrations
• Shuddering when accelerating
• Loud squeaking, clicking or knocking sounds
• Difficulty making turns

CV Joints

• Clicking or popping sounds that get louder when turning
• Damaged protective boot
• Grease leaks from protective boot
• Side-to-side shaking/vibrating when accelerating

As you can see, many of the symptoms for each part are the same. Without a certified technician taking a look at your car, truck, SUV or van, it’s nearly impossible to tell which driveline component is in need of repairs. That’s why you should call Team Automotive the moment you notice something is wrong with your vehicle.

Cars, SUVs, vans and trucks are made to last for years — but only if you maintain them properly. Here are a few tips to help you out:

• Regularly check engine fluids and top them off
• Avoid towing or driving with heavy loads too often
• Get tires checked, balanced and rotated regularly
• Call Team Automotive to routinely check CV and U-Joints

When you need auto repairs or maintenance, call the best auto repair shop in Sioux Falls — Team Automotive. Our trusted, friendly and professional ASE-certified mechanics will service, maintain or will replace parts as needed to keep your car running strong. Call our auto repair shop today for a free quote and a tailored plan for your driveline repair.