Features of Failure of Universal Joint

precision universal joint are the basic components of rear-wheel drive trucks, off-road vehicles, four-wheel drive trucks, SUVs and other vehicles. They transfer power from the drive shaft to the differential. The universal joint can transmit torque and rotational power, and at the same time make the gearbox and the rear axle the same height. The universal joints are generally arranged in pairs on the drive shaft, so that each end of the universal joint can be bent to better transmit the power to the wheels.

In the process of using the universal joint, many failures may be encountered, which may affect the service life of the vehicle in severe cases, and may also cause the loss of rotational power and torque transmitted from the engine to the wheels. When the following conditions occur during the driving of the vehicle, it means that the universal joint has failed.

1. The harsh noise

There are lubricated bearings in the universal joint, which can keep the universal joint running smoothly. When the grease moves during the rotation of the drive shaft, it may penetrate or evaporate, resulting in insufficient lubrication. Therefore, when the car is started, the friction between the metal parts will increase, resulting in harsh noise.

2. Vibration during the start of the car

Vibration during the movement of the car is another symptom of damage to the universal joint. This phenomenon indicates that the bearing has worn out, causing the drive shaft to shift from its rotating shaft, resulting in vibration. Compared with the universal wheel, the rotation speed of the universal joint is higher, and the frequency of its vibration is usually higher.

3. Transmission oil leakage

The wear of the tail shaft bushing will damage the output shaft seal of the gearbox, resulting in transmission oil leakage.

4. Noise appears during reverse gear

When switched to reversing, the car will make a "humming" noise, which indicates that a large gap has formed between the universal joints, causing it to continue to rotate, and then suddenly stop when reversing. This may be caused by the lack of proper lubrication and lubrication of joint bearings.

5. The vehicle cannot move

The inability of the vehicle to drive means that the power is not transmitted to the wheels. This may be due to a permanent failure of the Maintenance-Free Universal Joint. It may stop the vehicle completely. In this case, the drive shaft needs to be completely replaced.