A car's driveline includes everything in the car's drivetrain with the exception of the engine and transmission. This means all driveshafts, axles, joints and differentials. Wheels are also components of the driveline. Types of drivelines are two-wheel, four-wheel and all-wheel drive. The ability to detect problems with your car's driveline is an important skill that can save your vehicle from potential irreparable damage. If there is a driveline problem, the car will make noises or vibrate.
Start driving the car and listen for clunking every few feet. This noise could mean the car has a damaged ring or pinion gear. If there is clunking only when the car is beginning to move or receiving a little more or less gas, the problem could be loose yokes, faulty U-joints or a worn-down transfer case or transmission parts.
Accelerate the car to more than 20 mph. If you hear a rumbling or whirring sound when traveling faster than this speed, your car may have worn carrier bearings. If you hear a howl or whine while accelerating, your driveline most likely has worn-out pinion or ring gears. If you feel a vibration that intensifies as the vehicle speeds up, your driveshaft may be out of balance or the U-joints could be worn down.
Decelerate the car and listen for a whirring noise. If you detect this noise, the car most likely has bad pinion ball bearings or a loose pinion bearing preload.
Make several turns and go around corners on nearby roads. A rumble while turning is a signal your car has bad wheel bearings. If the car banging or clanking while rounding corners, the driveline may have broken spider gears, a lack of proper lubrication or worn-out positraction clutches.
Call an auto mechanic immediately if you detect any of these problem signs and avoid driving the car. Continuing to drive with a damaged driveline could cause extreme damage to your automobile.
