What noise does a bad u-joint make?

clunking sound
A bad u-joint can cause a clunking sound or jerkiness while driving, particularly when letting off of and pressing the accelerator. A bad u-joint can also cause vibration at certain speeds, emanating from the center or rear of the vehicle. If a u-joint is excessively worn, there’s an easy test you can perform.

What does a failing drive shaft sound like?

Generally speaking, a bad drive shaft is going to create a kind of rattling or clunking sound. You may also hear sounds that are like a high-pitched squeaking or a scraping noise of metal on metal. All of this will originate from underneath your car, rather than in the engine compartment.

Why is my drive shaft making noise?

Abnormal noises are another symptom of a problem with the driveshaft. If the bushing or bearing that supports the driveshaft or the driveshaft U-joints wear out or fail, they can interfere with the driveshaft’s ability to rotate correctly. U-joint in need of lubrication may also cause a squeaking noise at low speeds.

Why is my u-joint making a squeaking noise?

Squeaking noise when starting to move (forward or reverse) The bearing components of each universal joint are greased at the factory, but may not have a grease fitting to allow further lubrication after the vehicle is put into use, limiting their service life.

What causes the U-joint of a drive shaft to squeak?

Since the bearing portion of each universal joint twists a small amount with each rotation of the driveshaft (but always in the same location) the grease can evaporate, or be thrown out of the bearing cup. The bearing becomes dry, metal-to-metal contact is made, and the u-joint bearings will squeak as the drive shaft rotates.

What causes vibration in a bad universal joint?

This vibration means that the universal joint bearings have now worn enough to allow the driveshaft to move outside its normal rotational path, causing imbalance and vibration. This will be a higher frequency vibration than that of an out-of-balance wheel for example, since the driveshaft turns 3-4 times faster than the wheels.

What kind of noise increases during deceleration?

Noise: Cyclic vibration that varies in intensity. Intensity increases at a specific speed range, worsens during deceleration Author: David Fuller David Fuller is OnAllCylinders’ managing editor.