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The Basics Behind U-Joint Replacement Services at Zurovec's Auto & Transmission Repair

Universal joints, often referred to as u-joints, are flexible couplings that serve an important role on your vehicle. One of the primary duties of a u-joint is to transmit the rotational force between the transmission, the driveshaft, and the differentials, which are responsible for turning your vehicle’s drive wheels. As a critical linking component, a u-joint should be flexible enough to compensate for angle and alignment changes between the driveshaft and differentials. U-joints consist of four legs, or trunnions, that extend from the center cross, or body. The legs are covered with bearing caps and are housed within the yoke, which is designed to pivot and spin as they rotate with the driveshaft. Although many original equipment u-joints are sealed, some aftermarket u-joints are greasable and should be lubricated periodically. Understanding the type of u-joints on your vehicle will help you determine the proper maintenance intervals and decide when a u-joint should be replaced.

Symptoms of a Broken Shaft Axle

There are several different signs that might pop up to indicate you've bent or broken an axle shaft. A slight wobbling in your shaft while driving is the most obvious, and will probably be the first major clue that there's a problem. In addition, misalignment with brake pads, as well as various kinds of visible leakage may occur.

Shaft Wobble and Vibration

When you've bent or broken an axle shaft, one of the clearest ways you'll notice is how at lower speeds the car might seem to wobble. At higher speeds, 20 mph and up, the wobble may turn into what feels more like a general vibration. As the bend gets worse, the vibration will become more and more apparent, until it may seem to shake the whole vehicle.

Visible Misalignment

Though the shaft's wobbling might not always be obvious at the start, a bent axle will also often cause a visible deflection in the mounting of the tires. Though you may not feel a difference in how the vehicle handles, other drivers or people outside the vehicle may notice the wobble visibly. Again, as the problem gets worse, the wobbling may become more apparent. Replacing or fixing the axle when you do notice is very important, as it is dangerous to continue driving on a bent axle.

Brakes

As the bent axle makes the wheel wobble, this leads to a malfunction in the operation of the brakes. The brake pads will become misaligned with the wheels. The self-adjuster will also cease to function correctly, and so the pads may begin to drag. If you sense that your axle might be bent or broken and also notice new sensitivity or trouble with your breaks, this is another good sign that you may have an axle that needs attention.

Leakage and Other Specs

If your vehicle is equipped with a four-wheel drive system, you may find that it no longer operates correctly. A faulty axle shaft can also cause the outer break seal to leak, causing the break drum to end up coated in oil from the gears and dust from the brakes. A good way to check to see if you have a bent axle but aren't feeling vibrations or noticing other trouble is to simply remove your wheels and brake hardware and do a spot check on the axles themselves. Cracks or breakage may be visible in the axle's exterior if they are large enough.

Why Should You Have U-Joint Replacement Services Performed at Zurovec's Auto & Transmission Repair?

Clicking, squeaking, and grinding noises while driving are warning signs that your u-joints may require replacement. The cost of replacing your u-joint can be cheaper than the major repairs you may face if a worn u-joint is left untreated. Vibrations and rattling noises are key indicators of a faulty u-joint. Grinding noises may be an indication of metal on metal, which will cause u-joints to wear out quickly. Because they are subject to torque and force from the engine, u-joints may bend. On older vehicles, u-joints will rust, adding surface resistance onto the joints, making them less able to turn as they once did. Routine inspections of your u-joints have been known to prevent more expensive repairs. Replacing your u-joints at the first sign of trouble will also help prevent failure in your vehicle’s driveline. When you need new u-joints, give us a call.

We proudly service the U-Joint Replacement needs of customers in Richmond, TX, Rosenberg, TX, Sugar Land, TX, and surrounding areas.

Before your car EVER gets to this inconvenient place, let us inspect your vehicle at your earliest convenience. We offer an after hours key drop slot if you wanted to leave your car for next day inspection.

The Basics Behind CV Axle Inspection Services at Zurovec's Auto & Transmission Repair

The CV axle is a drive axle located between the drive wheels. Its role is to deliver consistent power to the wheels as they traverse various types of terrain. The CV axle is attached to the wheels by CV joints. The inner CV joints connect the transmission to the CV axle while the outer CV joints connect the CV axle to the wheels. The CV joints connect the CV axle to the wheels, and deliver power while maintaining a constant velocity. The CV axle assembly—the axle shaft, CV joints, and CV boots—is designed to deliver flexible power to the wheels. This means that the axle is able to transmit required levels of torque to the wheels regardless of the angle of the axle. At first, CV axles were commonly used in front-wheel drive vehicles, but today CV axles are also common in rear-wheel drive vehicles.

Why Should You Have CV Axle Inspection Services Performed at Zurovec's Auto & Transmission Repair?

Recognizing potential problems early can help prevent more expensive and expansive repairs on your CV axle. Trouble turning and resistance from tires while maneuvering are signs of CV axle issues. A bad CV axle will emit noise, such as squeaking that increases with speed. Vibrations that increase with speed and vibrating floorboards are also signs that your CV axle should be inspected by our service staff. While an inspection of the CV axle is centered on checking the axle, our inspectors may find problems related to CV joints or CV boots. Because the CV axle components combine into one working assembly, reviewing proper working conditions for all components is extremely important for CV axle maintenance. Our CV axle inspection can help keep major repairs or replacements at bay.

We proudly service the CV Axle Inspection needs of customers in Richmond, TX, Rosenberg, TX, Sugar Land, TX, and surrounding areas.