A drive shaft is an elongated round shaft which is usually constructed from steel. It is an elongated round shaft, and its purpose is to run from the engine to the gears which turn a vehicle’s wheels.
The engine’s pistons transfer power to a set of gears which then cause the shaft to turn. This creates torque, which is then transferred to the gearing of the wheels from the driveshaft. The torque is what makes wheels spins, and cars work.
It also needs to compensate for any variations in length or angle, which is caused by deflection and maneuvering to create the perfect synchronisation between joints.
Essentially, all drive shafts do the same thing. But different cars have different kinds of drives depending on the type of wheel drive cars they are.
Rear wheel drive cars have a rear drive shaft, which is also used in all-wheel drive cars, and four-wheel drive cars (4WD).
All front wheel drive cars have a CV drive. The CV stands for constant velocity. As all the components of a front wheel drive CV car are at the front of the vehicle, a long shaft isn’t needed to transfer torque to the wheels. Front wheel drive vehicles instead use a half shaft. This connects to the wheel assembly from the transmission.
CV joints are regularly exposed to stress at any time your vehicle is being operated, allowing for translational movement and displacement angles.
As drive shafts rotate quickly, they are more likely to have problems over time which can lead to failure.
The most common problems are:
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Vibrations
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Knocking noises
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Universal
joints moving
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Turning problems
If you experience any of these issues, then you most likely need a CV drive shaft replacement or require a car axle boot repair.
Be it a standard car service, car repairs or diagnostics, our mobile mechanics are there to help. Our vans are equipped with a full range of tools and quality automobile parts needed to perform almost any repair or replacement on site.
The average replacement cost for a drive shaft replacement ranges from between $300-$750 depending on the make and model of your car while a car axle boot repair can be anywhere from $100-300+. You can also buy kit boots which contain all the necessary parts for you to do DIY repairs for a drive shaft.
Our mobile mechanics can also deal with all types of gearbox and driveline problems. We are equipped to repair or replace your wheel hub bearing, clutch kit, automatic transmission, axle, diff, manual gearbox, transfer case, centre bearing, gearbox oil seal, universal joint and cv shaft if you face any issues.
What is a tailshaft?
A tailshaft is a crucial part of all rear wheel drive cars. Without a tailshaft, the real wheels of your vehicle won’t be able to move. A tailshaft transmits power from the front of the vehicle from the gearbox to the differential at the back.
A tailshaft is usually very durable and lasts for many years. However, there are many different moving parts inside the tailshaft, which may lead to some problems, with things like bearings.
If you notice a sound coming from the back of your car like knocking noises, or vibration at high speed, then it’s likely that the tailshaft is starting to fail. When you drive up a steep incline or hill, it will be even more noticeable.
It’s essential that the correct vibration troubleshooting is done correctly to identify the problem.
The most common causes which cause vibration include worn universal joints, out-of-balance components, slip splines, yokes at misaligned angles or out of place, and approaching the critical speed range.
Any vibration problems should be quickly repaired to avoid any further damage to the components of the drive shaft. It’s quite challenging to determine where the problem is coming from, and it’s strongly recommended to have a professional mobile mechanic to inspect your vehicle.
How does a prop shaft work?
A prop shaft is short for propeller shaft. It is also another name for a drive shaft and connects the main transmission to the differential on the rear axle. A prop shaft works by transmitting power to the rear axel from the gearbox by using universal joints.
The main function of the propeller shaft is to receive power from the gearbox output. It then transmits it to the input pinion of the differential without changing the speed. This then leads to onward transmission towards the rear axle as well as the rear wheels.
The prop shaft needs to operate at varied angles and lengths, and the automotive engine is tightly attached to the frame using springs.
When you drive, and it is bumpy, the springs expand and contract to change the angle of drive between the transmission and prop shaft.
As the springs move, it also changes the distance between the differential and gearbox. This means the prop shaft adapts to both the change in length of the distance and the angled change between the differential and the gearbox.
The prop shaft runs at an angle to the rear axle instead of being on the same line as the gearbox output. This is due to the gearbox being higher than the level of the rear axle.
Universal joints are used to adjust the angular motion, and a slip joint is used to adjust for the propeller shaft’s change in length.
A prop shaft is often made of a durable steel tube. This is to withstand the stress from the transmitting torque, while also allowing it to be balanced and light to eliminate vibration at high speed.
If you are having problems with your drive shaft, Lube Mobile can help. With mobile mechanics in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide and Australia wide, Lube Mobile can come to you and provide a professional repair and replacement service for cv parts at the best price for Honda, Subaru, Ford, as well as a selection of other make and model vehicles.
