When To Pay Attention To Your Universal Joint Cross Bearing

Several reasons make it important to think about u-joints from time to time. For instance, during the winter months, you should look into your u-joints before driving your vehicle in areas with heavy snow and ice. In doing so, you’ll know whether your drivetrain is ready or not. According to Universal Joint Cross Manufacturers, u-joints also need your attention because they are one of the smallest components installed in automobiles and industrial machinery. Despite being almost negligible in terms of size, u-joints are by no means unimportant. If someone asks you to create a list enumerating five parts of an automobile that make it move, you’ll probably won't even think about including the u-joint. However, they’re necessary, and they have been around since the invention of cars.

The signs

Also called the universal joint, a u-joint is a cross-shaped piece with bearings at each end connecting the driveshaft to the differential. In some instances, u-joints also connect two driveshafts or the driveshaft to the transmission. It depends on the type of vehicle you’re driving. You’ll know when your u-joints reach the point of complete failure because you won’t be able to steer your vehicle at all. The worst-case scenario is that your automobile won’t move at all. Both situations won’t bode well for businesses, but, fortunately, they’re preventable if you know what you should look for.

Clunky noises – Keep your ears open and you might hear clunking noises combined with a ringing sound, particularly when shifting from drive to reverse. Experts describe it as the first stage of u-joint deterioration as a result of insufficient grease in the u-joint bearings.

Squeaky noises – You may hear a squeaking noise as you move your vehicle forward or backward. All u-joint bearings come from the factory in a pre-greased condition. It doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll get a grease-fitting to allow the required lubrication after you put the vehicle into service. When a large automobile, such as a truck, moves at five to ten miles an hour, you may miss the squeaky noise because the sound of the truck will drown it. As you increase speed, the noise will be much clearer. It’s a telltale sign that the grease applied on the bearings has evaporated and the noise is a result of metal-to-metal contact.

Jerkiness or vibration – When your vehicle moves smoothly, you’ll know your u-joints are in perfect condition. They’ll also allow proper alignment and movement within your drivetrain. However, if they’re in the stage of early failure, you’ll feel the imbalance that manifests in the form of vibrations or jerkiness as you drive.

The problems

If you don’t address these early signs of u-joint failure, you’ll end up with issues, such as transmission fluid leakage that will affect the performance standards of the drivetrain. Driveshaft dislocation is yet another sign of an advanced failure that you’ll need to put up with if you ignore the warning signs described above. If you don’t want to be one of those drivers stuck on the side of a road with a completely detached driveshaft, you must pay heed to everything your Universal Joint Cross Bearing Manufacturer tells you.