When it comes to commercial vehicles, there are thousands of moving parts and the driveline is definitely one of the most important. If it’s not functioning, your vehicle will quite literally be unable to move. This will not only hurt you from a productivity standpoint, but it can also adversely impact your profitability and even damage your professional reputation. For all these reasons – and many more – keeping your driveline in tip-top shape is well worth your time and money.
In this post, we will cover all the ins and outs of drivelines and driveshafts and where you can turn for help when you have a mechanical issue.
What Is A Driveline & When Should You Get It Fixed?
Made up of the driveshaft, wheels, axles, differential, and joints, drivelines transfer power from the engine and transmission to the wheels. Driveline systems can vary based on the type of vehicle (front-wheel, rear-wheel, or 4-wheel drive), but regardless of which one you have, it’s critical that your driveline is in good working order if you want your vehicle to perform at its best.
If you notice that it’s becoming more difficult to control your vehicle while you’re out on the road, a faulty driveline could be the culprit. There are a number of signs that will indicate when you should get your driveline fixed which we’ve outlined for you below.
Benefits of Repairing Your Driveline
Aside from the fact that driving a vehicle with a damaged driveline can be annoying at best and a safety hazard at worst, the biggest benefit to repairing your driveline is that you can avoid costly repairs down the road. And while repairing a driveline certainly isn’t free, the longer you put off having it repaired, the more expensive it’s going to be later.
Signs You Need To Get Your Driveshaft Checked Out
Problems with your driveline or driveshaft can be easy to identify if you know what to look for – and more importantly, what to listen for! If you suspect there’s a mechanical issue, it’s critical that you have a professional check out your vehicle immediately to ensure you can continue to operate it safely.
Here are a few indicators that your driveshaft or one of its associated parts may be failing:
- Shuddering upon acceleration
- Loud, clunking sounds when shifting
- Intense vibrations coming from underneath the vehicle
- Squeaking, clicking, or knocking noises
- Difficulty turning the vehicle
- The vehicle will not move, period
Repairing vs. Replacing a Driveshaft
Determining whether you should repair or replace a driveshaft should be done on a case-to-case basis. Generally, if you discover your driveshaft has split, it makes sense to go ahead and replace it. However, the cause of the problem could be a part near the driveshaft such as the center support bearing, the U-joint, or the slip joint. If that’s the issue, you can most likely get by with a repair.
How Much Does It Cost To Repair A Drive Shaft
The cost of repairing a driveshaft can vary greatly depending on the vehicle, the cause of the damage, and even what state you’re located in. To simply just replace your driveshaft, the cost can range between $500 to $1,000 but once you start tacking on the expense of additional parts and labor, you can expect those numbers to reach upwards of $1,500. And they can climb even higher for rear-wheel or 4-wheel drive vehicles. When you add up the cost of this type of repair and multiply it across a fleet of hundreds of vehicles, you could be looking at a considerable expense.
How To Save Money On Driveline Repairs
If you’re looking to save money on driveline repairs – and as a fleet owner or manager, you certainly are – you’ll want to do your homework. Go online and check out what driveline prices look like in your area and then contact a few trustworthy repair shops to get quotes. See if they’ll give you a discount on the repair if you bring in a few of your other vehicles for service. You could also opt to purchase the parts on your own and then take them to a mechanic to do the actual work.
Finally, avoid the temptation to watch a few YouTube videos and attempt to make the repair yourself. Without the proper tools and training, you could end up doing more harm than good and find yourself having to spend a hefty sum to fix the additional damage.
Get Help From The Driveline Experts
Have problems with your driveline or driveshaft? Turn to the experts at Blaine Brothers and let us help! Our dedicated and experienced repair technicians can assist you with all your driveline and driveshaft needs and provide you with the highest level of service at an affordable, competitive price.
After more than 40 years in the business, we’ve proud of the reputation we’ve built among the trucking and transportation community in the upper midwest and we’re pleased to serve companies of all sizes. Why have we been able to survive and thrive for so long? Well, it’s pretty simple. We believe in treating our customers like family and helping them succeed is what keeps us motivated every day.
When it’s time for driveline repair or replacement, give us a call. We’ll get you back on the road safely and efficiently and we’ll be there to support you every step of the way. Contact us today – we’re looking forward to building a relationship with you.