Top 38 How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U Joint 126 Most Correct Answers

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Contents

What happens if you keep driving with bad u-joints?

If you think you might be dealing with a bad u-joint, you should address the problem right away. A u-joint that fails completely can cause the driveshaft to fall out of the undercarriage, potentially causing significant damage to the vehicle and even an accident, maybe.

Can you drive with bad front u-joints?

Vehicle Cannot Move

The final stage of a bad U-joint is a vehicle incapable of moving anymore. When the universal joint breaks down, the driveshaft will drop, no longer able to transfer power. At that point, you may not be able to get away with just a U-joint replacement; the entire driveshaft might need to be changed.

What happens if you don’t replace u-joints?

What Happens When You Don’t Replace Your U-Joints? A u-joint may seem like a small and insignificant part, but its failure will eventually render the vehicle unusable. The driveshaft will no longer be able to spin anymore. That means you won’t have anything to turn the wheels anymore.

How much does it cost to fix u-joints?

The u-joint replacement cost is estimated between $225 and $300. Labor makes up about $100 to $125, while the parts should be between $125 and $200. However, these prices vary based on what make and model vehicle you drive.

Can bad u-joints cause death wobble?

The biggest issue with death wobble is that it can have so many more causes than say, a driveline vibration, which can typically be narrowed down to a bent driveline, improper angle, or worn u-joint.

What does a failing u-joint sound like?

Common signs of a faulty u-joint include a squeaking noise, clunking sound when shifting, vibrations in the car, and transmission fluid leaking.

How long do u-joints usually last?

U-joints don’t last forever. They usually last about 100K miles. Like all car parts, U-joints develop wear and tear over time. When your U-joints fail, it’s very important to replace them as soon as possible.

How long does it take to change u-joints?

On a typical labor book, a U-joint replacement is one or two labor hours, meaning that a $25 part can cost substantially more once someone else installs it for you and charges around $100/hour.

What happens if my drive shaft breaks while driving?

If your driveshaft breaks while driving, the result would be: Immediate loss of steering. Inability to go forward or backward. Inability to accelerate.

What causes u-joints to fail?

This usually happens because of corrosion, excessive jolting or vibration, or because the bolts were not properly torqued into place. A worn or cracking transmission or differential housing can also cause this. Of course, u-joint failure isn’t limited to these three causes.

Should you replace u-joints in pairs?

So when you need to replace a u-joint, always replace the other one too. If you don’t, the other one will fail sooner or later. The failure of that u-joint will cause damage to the new u-joint (that replaced the first one). It’s always better to replace both u-joints at once.

Is it hard to replace u-joints?

Replacing these joints is a fairly straightforward job, though it takes some prior experience. To begin, you’ll need a universal joint pressing tool. You can also take advantage of the loaner tools program at your local Advance Auto Parts store. Then follow these step-by-step instructions on how to change U joints.

How long do driveshafts last?

Because of the wide variety of drive shafts that exist, there is no average life expectancy that you can refer to for them. However, you can obtain a rough estimate for personal vehicles’ drive shafts, which is about 75,000 miles.

What does a bad driveshaft sound like?

If you hear a loud clunking noise when shifting your vehicle, this is another sign of driveshaft damage. The likely culprit is a worn u-joint.

How do you tell if u-joint is bad on f150?

Ford F-150 U-Joint Failure Symptoms

The u-joint making a squeaking noise when the truck’s traveling at low speeds (under 10 mph)
The u-joint making a clunking/ringing noise when you shift the transmission from drive to reverse.
Vibration felt throughout the truck when it’s driving on the road.

How many U joints does a Toyota Tacoma have?

How many U-joints does a Tacoma have? You will have to remove the entire drive shaft to replace the Carrier Bearing. Then you can also get access to all three universal joints.

How to Diagnose and Replace Universal Joints (ULTIMATE Guide)

How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U Joint 🏎️ A Rolling Death-Trap?

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Summary of article content: Articles about How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U Joint 🏎️ A Rolling Death-Trap? A car with a faulty U-joint will not run for long. Coupled with transmission flu leakage, a broken U-joint can cause damage to the driveshaft, … …
Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U Joint 🏎️ A Rolling Death-Trap? A car with a faulty U-joint will not run for long. Coupled with transmission flu leakage, a broken U-joint can cause damage to the driveshaft, … A small component that packs a lot of power over the rest of the car: a U-joint. How long can you drive with a bad U-joint and is it safe?
Table of Contents:

What Is A Universal Joint

How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U-Joint Functions Of A U-Joint

How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U-Joint Signs Of A Bad U-Joint

How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U-Joint

How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U-Joint Reasons Behind U-Joint Failure

How Often Should You Replace U-Joints

Inspecting U-Joints

How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U-Joint A Step-by-Step Guide On Replacing A U-Joint

How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U-Joint

How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U-Joint Replacement Cost Of U-Joint

Finishing Thoughts

Approved Tools

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How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U Joint 🏎️ A Rolling Death-Trap?

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Summary of article content: Articles about How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U Joint 🏎️ A Rolling Death-Trap? Updating …
Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U Joint 🏎️ A Rolling Death-Trap? Updating A small component that packs a lot of power over the rest of the car: a U-joint. How long can you drive with a bad U-joint and is it safe?
Table of Contents:

What Is A Universal Joint

How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U-Joint Functions Of A U-Joint

How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U-Joint Signs Of A Bad U-Joint

How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U-Joint

How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U-Joint Reasons Behind U-Joint Failure

How Often Should You Replace U-Joints

Inspecting U-Joints

How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U-Joint A Step-by-Step Guide On Replacing A U-Joint

How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U-Joint

How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U-Joint Replacement Cost Of U-Joint

Finishing Thoughts

Approved Tools

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Article author: www.motorverso.com
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Summary of article content: Articles about How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U Joint 🏎️ A Rolling Death-Trap? Updating …
Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U Joint 🏎️ A Rolling Death-Trap? Updating A small component that packs a lot of power over the rest of the car: a U-joint. How long can you drive with a bad U-joint and is it safe?
Table of Contents:

What Is A Universal Joint

How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U-Joint Functions Of A U-Joint

How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U-Joint Signs Of A Bad U-Joint

How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U-Joint

How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U-Joint Reasons Behind U-Joint Failure

How Often Should You Replace U-Joints

Inspecting U-Joints

How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U-Joint A Step-by-Step Guide On Replacing A U-Joint

How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U-Joint

How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U-Joint Replacement Cost Of U-Joint

Finishing Thoughts

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Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for How to Diagnose and Replace Universal Joints (ULTIMATE Guide) – YouTube Updating Universal joint replacement and U joint noise. Learn how to tell if your u joints are bad and how to replace u joints in this in-depth, how-to video that cov…u joints, u-joints, universal joints, how to tell if your u joints are bad, how to replace u joints, univeral joint replacement, changing a u joint, changing a universal joint, what is a universal joint, driveshaft replacement, u joint noise, u joint removal tool, u joint squeak
Table of Contents:

How to Diagnose and Replace Universal Joints (ULTIMATE Guide) - YouTube — How to Diagnose and Replace Universal Joints (ULTIMATE Guide) – YouTube

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Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for How Often Should U-Joints Be Replaced? | GMB Blog Updating Learn more about the Life expectancy of your U-joints, and why it’s a Good idea to Check them at Every oil change.
Table of Contents:

What Could Cause A U-Joint To Fail

What Happens When You Don’t Replace Your U-Joints

Quality Matters

Categories

How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U Joint – A Rolling Death-Trap?

If you have owned a car for a while now, you probably came across the term “U-joint,” otherwise known as Universal Joint. A car with a faulty U-joint will not run for long. Coupled with transmission fluid leakage, a broken U-joint can cause damage to the driveshaft, brake line, transmission line, and many other parts of the vehicle. But, how long can you drive with a bad U-joint, and is it safe?

You may be wondering how long can you drive with a bad U-joint. Some vehicles won’t work at all without a properly functioning U-joint. Knowing about the correct operation as well as maintenance of universal joints can save you from spending hundreds, if not thousands at the repair shop.

The u-joint doesn’t fail overnight; it’s a gradual process. Left unattended, a failure in this component can be dangerous while you’re driving, not just expensive. The good news, however, is that there are telltale symptoms to let you know that the u-joints in your vehicle need attention.

What Is A Universal Joint?

Universal joints or U-joints are X-shaped components generally made of steel featuring a bearing cap on each end. It connects the rigid driveshaft of the vehicle to the transmission and allows it to rotate freely.

They are parts of a system designed to enable the rotating crankshaft to deliver rotating energy to the rear wheels (applicable for rear-wheel-drive vehicles). Thanks to the adjustable connection on the driveshaft’s end, the driveshaft can move up and down. It can also move at an angle to the car’s engine when the vehicle goes over uneven surfaces.

For instance, pickup trucks come with u-joints at both ends of the driveshafts. Without universal joints, a vehicle could not build enough suspension for any wheel travel. The driveline would catch on every pothole and bump.

FWD vehicles come with CV joints or constant velocity joints. Their function is similar to that of universal joints. Here’s a helpful video guide for you to check out to understand the working mechanism of u-joints.

How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U-Joint: Functions Of A U-Joint

As cars do not move on super-flat surfaces, driveshafts have to be able to move up and down alongside the suspension while they rotate. This ensures an uninterrupted supply of power to the drive wheels. Universal joints power this motion while letting the driveshaft turn continuously.

A U-joint also supplements the height misalignment within the rear axle and the transmission. Since the rear wheels and rear axle of the vehicles move independently of the other parts of the vehicle, a direct driveshaft originating from the engine would not work. Connected to the axle, it would flex or bind when the car encountered bumps. When the driveshaft turns, the flexible action of the universal joints makes up for the misalignment.

How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U-Joint: Signs Of A Bad U-Joint

So, how can you know when your car’s universal joints are going bad? Look out for these signs.

Squeaking Noises

The bearing components used in universal joints are lubricated at the factory, but they might not get a lubrication fitting to facilitate further greasing once the vehicle is out on the roads, limiting their functionality. With every rotation of the driveshaft, the bearing portion twists a little, causing the grease to evaporate or wear off the bearing cup.

As a result, the bearing dries up, metal-to-metal contact is initiated, and the universal joint bearings squeak when the rotation happens. However, the squeak generally disappears when the vehicle goes faster than 5 to 10 mph because there are other environmental noises in play. The squeak is to be considered a warning that you have to get the U-joints serviced by a certified professional.

If you invest a little in maintaining the U-joints, you can surely extend the life of these parts.

Clunk And Ring

If you can hear a little clunk with a ringing noise followed when you shift the gear from Drive to Reverse, this is another symptom. This indicates that although the U-joint has enough space to let the driveshaft rotate slightly, it comes to a hard stop once the power is reversed.

Usually, this is the next stage after deterioration due to inadequate grease in the bearing. Greasing or servicing the bearings will not do much to reduce the damage, but it may extend the service life.

Vibration

Vibration across the whole vehicle typically means that the U-joints have done enough damage to the driveshaft and it is now unbalanced. The vibration will be of higher frequency than that of, let’s say, an out-of-balance set of wheels. A worn U-joint gradually causes damage to other parts of the car – including the transmission.

This is when you have to get the universal joint replaced by a professional mechanic. The mechanic can be expected to choose high-quality replacement U-joints featuring a grease fitting.

Leakage Of Transmission Fluid

Transmission fluid leakage from the transmission’s rear is generally a result of a bad universal joint. After the vibrations stated above, if you still do not get your vehicle checked, the U-joint will move on to damaging the transmission tail shaft bushing and output shaft seal, which then causes transmission fuel leak.

That being said, there may be many other reasons behind a leaky transmission. It is best to have the transmission inspected to decide which changes are necessary.

Vehicle Cannot Move

The final stage of a bad U-joint is a vehicle incapable of moving anymore. When the universal joint breaks down, the driveshaft will drop, no longer able to transfer power. At that point, you may not be able to get away with just a U-joint replacement; the entire driveshaft might need to be changed.

How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U-Joint?

In simple words, a vehicle cannot function with a U-joint, so it fails. It is much more complicated than it sounds. A lot of damage can be involved in all the cases. The driveshaft assembly can loosen and fall off. It can also cause extensive damage to the vehicle’s underside and perhaps the driveline too.

While small in stature, a U-joint can end up costing you thousands of dollars in repairs. The worst scenario is when a U-joint fails mid-drive, literally inviting an accident to happen.

Neglecting a U-joint replacement even though symptoms have started to display can bring many severe consequences. It’s best to take precautions while you can.

How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U-Joint: Reasons Behind U-Joint Failure

Over time, normal wear and tear take a toll on every component of the car, not just the U-joint. It is completely possible that the universal joint was at the end of its service life after serving its set time. But, the majority of times, the problem can be linked to a lack of greasing of the bearing, rough driving, or modifications made to vehicles which can affect driveshaft speed or angle.

If you can figure out the cause of a faulty U-joint, it is easy to choose a solution for it. These are some of the most common reasons a universal joint fails:

General Wear And Tear

U-joints are designed to live a long life but, no matter how carefully maintained, anything mechanical is prone to error. With adverse driving conditions, hard driving, and enough miles on the car, the universal joints may give up faster than expected.

In the case of SUVs and trucks that are mostly driven off-road or used or hauling, the U-joints have more work on their hands. Thus, they need to be replaced more frequently than with a regular drive.

If the original universal joint provided decent mileage, it is best to replace it with an OEM option.

Loss Of Grease

As mentioned multiple times before, lack of lubrication is harmful to the health of U-joints. Since they are simply a set of bearings, they need to have the right chassis grease to function optimally. A few U-joints are made to receive lubrication maintenance, which can be quite helpful in lifted, off-road, or heavy-duty vehicles.

Fortunately, you can buy U-joints in a “greasable” design for most vehicles. It makes greasing maintenance easy.

Hazard Duty

Putting your car through extreme applications such as off-roading, racing, or continual payload towing will put additional strain on the driveshaft, accelerating the wear of U-joint.

For vehicles that need to haul heavy loads daily, it is essential to get heavy-duty U joints to pair.

Lifting Without Aligning

When you install a lift kit in the vehicle, it could change the driveshaft’s angle, exerting more pressure on the U-joints and ultimately reducing their lifespan. Examine driveshaft alignment post lifting to ensure functionality inside the specs. The driveshaft angle has to be within tolerances; modify if required. Plus, a stronger universal joint is a good idea in general.

Souped Up Engines

Made modifications or gotten a bigger engine to improve your vehicle’s horsepower? Keep in mind that you will also be increasing the strain exerted on the driveshaft, as well as the U-joints.

For vehicles with horsepower more than standard, the U-joints have to be equally strong.

How Often Should You Replace U-Joints?

Technically, U-joints last forever – at least that is how they were designed. Although they are not supposed to depreciate over time, it happens. In addition, U-joints could break; it is not a rare incident.

We can easily predict the service life of some parts of the vehicle, like shocks. But that is not the case with U-joints. Universal joints could last decades, but they can also break despite the vehicle being new. Check the universal joints after every oil change.

There are two to three U-joints in a regular rear-wheel-drive vehicle. Vehicles with longer wheelbases, like buses, are equipped with three or more U-joints. The more the number of U-joints, the higher the chance of failure.

Inspecting U-Joints

Instead of waiting for something to go bad and then repairing it, it is a good habit to examine the U-joints regularly. If not at every oil change, get them checked at least twice a year.

Step 1: As the vehicle moves, listen carefully and try to take note of any metallic or squeaking noises coming from below it. Sounds like those are generally indicative of an under-greased or dried-out universal joint. Step 2: Vibrations will start to happen when the joint is almost about to fail. If you detect vibrations, do not ignore them. Step 3: Pull over in a safe location such as a parking lot or a driveway. Keep the engine running and have your foot on the brake. In that position, shift gear from Park to Reverse. You should hear a banging or clunking sound during the process. If you feel a sudden jump with the sound, it is indicating a wobbly universal joint. Step 4: Park the vehicle and flat ground and turn the engine off. Keep the car in park with the wheels chocked and attempt to move the driveshaft. Slow turn it and note any reactions in the U-joint. When turned, loose joints allow the driveshaft to rotate as much as ¼ to ½” in either direction. Step 5: Stick a big, flat screwdriver inside the yoke connecting the driveshaft to the differential or transmission yoke. Now turn the shaft by moving the screwdriver up and down. Observe any movements in the driveshaft that would be indicative of a loose U-joint.

Examine the U-joints with a flashlight. Look out for broken or chipped bearing caps, missing bearing, rust, or retaining clips in the yokes.

How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U-Joint: A Step-by-Step Guide On Replacing A U-Joint

While you may be tempted to try out actually how long can you drive with a bad U-joint, but it is highly recommended that you replace it

Tools You Will Need

Process Without U-Joint Tool

Now, let’s see how you can process it without a U-Joint tool.

Step 1

Lift the car into the air, either with the front lower than the rear or level. This will stop the fluid leaking from the transmission. 2 nuts and bolts, alternatively, 4 four bolts are used to secure the rear yoke to the differential yoke – a number that changes depending on the make, model, and year of the vehicle.

These are generally 7/16” or ½”. Once taken out, you can remove the driveshaft by pushing it forward, down, and once more rearward.

Step 2

Smack the yoke using a hammer to release any tension on the snap ring/C clip. Based on the type used, tension is exerted on the snap rings in various directions. Hold the yoke assembly/U-joint by the joint cups and strike the yoke sharply.

Use a pair of pliers to remove the inner snap ring from the yoke’s upper half, or the outer C-clip/snap ring from the lower cup. Repeat the process on the other side to extract both the snap rings/C-clips.

Step 3

Using a press, heavy-duty socket, or a hammer and punch, squeeze the bearing cups outside the toke. Rotate the yoke/driveshaft 180-degrees. Repeat on the other side.

Pro tip: A few heavy-duty yokes feature bearing cups attached on both sides. If that is the case for you, do steps 2 and 3 for the second yoke too.

At every step of the procedure, you must be extremely careful with the driveshaft. To decrease weight on the car, manufacturers keep the driveshaft fairly lightweight and it can dent easily. A dented driveshaft is an unbalanced driveshaft. Then you are going to have a whole different vibration source to deal with.

Step 4

With tape or rubber band, fasten the 2 opposing bearing cups to the replacement joint. At the same time, remove the 2 other caps and push the U-joint’s polished end into the openings of the yoke. Keep a bearing cup below any of these openings and slightly tap the yoke. After the cup is properly seated, use a hammer to secure the yoke. Install the snap ring/C-slip and repeat on the other side.

Step 5

Inspect for binding on the installed joint. You may have to tap it properly to loosen the binding.

Step 6

For this part, you will have to slide under your vehicle. Insert the driveshaft’s transmission end into the tail shaft until it bottoms out. Move to the differential end and lift the tail of the driveshaft to get it into place.

Step 7

Take off the rubber band or tape and set the joint cups into the differential’s pinion yoke. Install the clamps to fasten the U-joint to the yoke and secure the bolts and nuts. Install the snap rings/C-clips to lock them in place.

Step 8

Lower the vehicle to ground level, start the engine and note any clunking in the U-joints/driveshaft.

Process With U-Joint Tool

And now, let’s discuss processing with a U-Joint tool.

Step 1

Mark the yoke and driveshaft sides that will have the new U-joint replacement installed. With the vehicle’s driveshaft out, place it on a flat workbench or any comfortable work surface.

Step 2

Find the right size press cup fit for the driveshaft yoke and position the cup on top of the threaded rod. Get another cup that is bigger than the U-joint cups but smaller than the opening of the yoke.

Step 3

Position the U-joint tool against the yoke. Secure the threaded rod with your hand. When you remove the snap rings/C-clips, it will secure the caps. You may have to remove the tension in a clip with the press before flipping it around to extract the other clip.

Step 4

Continue fastening the threaded rod to remove one cap from the yoke. Turn the tool around and redo the process to remove the opposite cap as well as the “cross” of the U-joint. Keep the cross at a 90-degree angle to the yoke – that will make the process slightly easier.

Step 5

Secure the caps to the new joint using tape or a rubber band. Lodge the cross inside the yoke. Push it as far as you can to one and slide the new cap into the yoke, as far as possible. With the threaded rod’s end against the cap, set the tool to slide that cap inside.

Step 6

Press down the threaded rod to push the cap against the yoke until it is seated properly. Remove the tool and flip it before repeating on the other side. Make sure it is easy to pivot the joints.

Step 7

Going under the vehicle, push the transmission yoke inside the tail shift. Raise the shaft’s rear into position and install the latch the flanges/install the straps, making sure it lines up with the marks made previously.

How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U-Joint?

It is crucial to address a bad U-joint as soon as you suspect there might be problems with the component. A completely failed universal joint can make the driveshaft fall out of the undercarriage, causing serious damage to the vehicle, if not an accident.

How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U-Joint: Replacement Cost Of U-Joint

Usually, U-joints are serviceable parts that can be changed without needing to replace the whole driveshaft. If you want to get professional help for your U-joint replacement, expect to pay anywhere between $200 to $450 depending on the make, model, and year of the vehicle as well as the extent of the damages.

You can save coins by doing the replacement yourself. It is fairly simple and requires one to one and a half hours at the most. You can get a replacement U-joint for under $50.

Finishing Thoughts

Never ignore the signs your car is giving you, especially if they may be related to a poor U-joint. Address the problem right away and save yourself from a potentially punching-hole-in-wallet bill. Knowing the condition of your car parts will help you estimate how long can you drive with a bad U-joint.

It is necessary to inspect for transmission leakage. Lubricants can extend the service life of a U-joint but you may have to replace it down the line; keep that in mind.

Approved Tools

These tools have been tried and tested by our team, they are ideal for fixing your car at home.

How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U Joint – A Rolling Death-Trap?

If you have owned a car for a while now, you probably came across the term “U-joint,” otherwise known as Universal Joint. A car with a faulty U-joint will not run for long. Coupled with transmission fluid leakage, a broken U-joint can cause damage to the driveshaft, brake line, transmission line, and many other parts of the vehicle. But, how long can you drive with a bad U-joint, and is it safe?

You may be wondering how long can you drive with a bad U-joint. Some vehicles won’t work at all without a properly functioning U-joint. Knowing about the correct operation as well as maintenance of universal joints can save you from spending hundreds, if not thousands at the repair shop.

The u-joint doesn’t fail overnight; it’s a gradual process. Left unattended, a failure in this component can be dangerous while you’re driving, not just expensive. The good news, however, is that there are telltale symptoms to let you know that the u-joints in your vehicle need attention.

What Is A Universal Joint?

Universal joints or U-joints are X-shaped components generally made of steel featuring a bearing cap on each end. It connects the rigid driveshaft of the vehicle to the transmission and allows it to rotate freely.

They are parts of a system designed to enable the rotating crankshaft to deliver rotating energy to the rear wheels (applicable for rear-wheel-drive vehicles). Thanks to the adjustable connection on the driveshaft’s end, the driveshaft can move up and down. It can also move at an angle to the car’s engine when the vehicle goes over uneven surfaces.

For instance, pickup trucks come with u-joints at both ends of the driveshafts. Without universal joints, a vehicle could not build enough suspension for any wheel travel. The driveline would catch on every pothole and bump.

FWD vehicles come with CV joints or constant velocity joints. Their function is similar to that of universal joints. Here’s a helpful video guide for you to check out to understand the working mechanism of u-joints.

How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U-Joint: Functions Of A U-Joint

As cars do not move on super-flat surfaces, driveshafts have to be able to move up and down alongside the suspension while they rotate. This ensures an uninterrupted supply of power to the drive wheels. Universal joints power this motion while letting the driveshaft turn continuously.

A U-joint also supplements the height misalignment within the rear axle and the transmission. Since the rear wheels and rear axle of the vehicles move independently of the other parts of the vehicle, a direct driveshaft originating from the engine would not work. Connected to the axle, it would flex or bind when the car encountered bumps. When the driveshaft turns, the flexible action of the universal joints makes up for the misalignment.

How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U-Joint: Signs Of A Bad U-Joint

So, how can you know when your car’s universal joints are going bad? Look out for these signs.

Squeaking Noises

The bearing components used in universal joints are lubricated at the factory, but they might not get a lubrication fitting to facilitate further greasing once the vehicle is out on the roads, limiting their functionality. With every rotation of the driveshaft, the bearing portion twists a little, causing the grease to evaporate or wear off the bearing cup.

As a result, the bearing dries up, metal-to-metal contact is initiated, and the universal joint bearings squeak when the rotation happens. However, the squeak generally disappears when the vehicle goes faster than 5 to 10 mph because there are other environmental noises in play. The squeak is to be considered a warning that you have to get the U-joints serviced by a certified professional.

If you invest a little in maintaining the U-joints, you can surely extend the life of these parts.

Clunk And Ring

If you can hear a little clunk with a ringing noise followed when you shift the gear from Drive to Reverse, this is another symptom. This indicates that although the U-joint has enough space to let the driveshaft rotate slightly, it comes to a hard stop once the power is reversed.

Usually, this is the next stage after deterioration due to inadequate grease in the bearing. Greasing or servicing the bearings will not do much to reduce the damage, but it may extend the service life.

Vibration

Vibration across the whole vehicle typically means that the U-joints have done enough damage to the driveshaft and it is now unbalanced. The vibration will be of higher frequency than that of, let’s say, an out-of-balance set of wheels. A worn U-joint gradually causes damage to other parts of the car – including the transmission.

This is when you have to get the universal joint replaced by a professional mechanic. The mechanic can be expected to choose high-quality replacement U-joints featuring a grease fitting.

Leakage Of Transmission Fluid

Transmission fluid leakage from the transmission’s rear is generally a result of a bad universal joint. After the vibrations stated above, if you still do not get your vehicle checked, the U-joint will move on to damaging the transmission tail shaft bushing and output shaft seal, which then causes transmission fuel leak.

That being said, there may be many other reasons behind a leaky transmission. It is best to have the transmission inspected to decide which changes are necessary.

Vehicle Cannot Move

The final stage of a bad U-joint is a vehicle incapable of moving anymore. When the universal joint breaks down, the driveshaft will drop, no longer able to transfer power. At that point, you may not be able to get away with just a U-joint replacement; the entire driveshaft might need to be changed.

How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U-Joint?

In simple words, a vehicle cannot function with a U-joint, so it fails. It is much more complicated than it sounds. A lot of damage can be involved in all the cases. The driveshaft assembly can loosen and fall off. It can also cause extensive damage to the vehicle’s underside and perhaps the driveline too.

While small in stature, a U-joint can end up costing you thousands of dollars in repairs. The worst scenario is when a U-joint fails mid-drive, literally inviting an accident to happen.

Neglecting a U-joint replacement even though symptoms have started to display can bring many severe consequences. It’s best to take precautions while you can.

How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U-Joint: Reasons Behind U-Joint Failure

Over time, normal wear and tear take a toll on every component of the car, not just the U-joint. It is completely possible that the universal joint was at the end of its service life after serving its set time. But, the majority of times, the problem can be linked to a lack of greasing of the bearing, rough driving, or modifications made to vehicles which can affect driveshaft speed or angle.

If you can figure out the cause of a faulty U-joint, it is easy to choose a solution for it. These are some of the most common reasons a universal joint fails:

General Wear And Tear

U-joints are designed to live a long life but, no matter how carefully maintained, anything mechanical is prone to error. With adverse driving conditions, hard driving, and enough miles on the car, the universal joints may give up faster than expected.

In the case of SUVs and trucks that are mostly driven off-road or used or hauling, the U-joints have more work on their hands. Thus, they need to be replaced more frequently than with a regular drive.

If the original universal joint provided decent mileage, it is best to replace it with an OEM option.

Loss Of Grease

As mentioned multiple times before, lack of lubrication is harmful to the health of U-joints. Since they are simply a set of bearings, they need to have the right chassis grease to function optimally. A few U-joints are made to receive lubrication maintenance, which can be quite helpful in lifted, off-road, or heavy-duty vehicles.

Fortunately, you can buy U-joints in a “greasable” design for most vehicles. It makes greasing maintenance easy.

Hazard Duty

Putting your car through extreme applications such as off-roading, racing, or continual payload towing will put additional strain on the driveshaft, accelerating the wear of U-joint.

For vehicles that need to haul heavy loads daily, it is essential to get heavy-duty U joints to pair.

Lifting Without Aligning

When you install a lift kit in the vehicle, it could change the driveshaft’s angle, exerting more pressure on the U-joints and ultimately reducing their lifespan. Examine driveshaft alignment post lifting to ensure functionality inside the specs. The driveshaft angle has to be within tolerances; modify if required. Plus, a stronger universal joint is a good idea in general.

Souped Up Engines

Made modifications or gotten a bigger engine to improve your vehicle’s horsepower? Keep in mind that you will also be increasing the strain exerted on the driveshaft, as well as the U-joints.

For vehicles with horsepower more than standard, the U-joints have to be equally strong.

How Often Should You Replace U-Joints?

Technically, U-joints last forever – at least that is how they were designed. Although they are not supposed to depreciate over time, it happens. In addition, U-joints could break; it is not a rare incident.

We can easily predict the service life of some parts of the vehicle, like shocks. But that is not the case with U-joints. Universal joints could last decades, but they can also break despite the vehicle being new. Check the universal joints after every oil change.

There are two to three U-joints in a regular rear-wheel-drive vehicle. Vehicles with longer wheelbases, like buses, are equipped with three or more U-joints. The more the number of U-joints, the higher the chance of failure.

Inspecting U-Joints

Instead of waiting for something to go bad and then repairing it, it is a good habit to examine the U-joints regularly. If not at every oil change, get them checked at least twice a year.

Step 1: As the vehicle moves, listen carefully and try to take note of any metallic or squeaking noises coming from below it. Sounds like those are generally indicative of an under-greased or dried-out universal joint. Step 2: Vibrations will start to happen when the joint is almost about to fail. If you detect vibrations, do not ignore them. Step 3: Pull over in a safe location such as a parking lot or a driveway. Keep the engine running and have your foot on the brake. In that position, shift gear from Park to Reverse. You should hear a banging or clunking sound during the process. If you feel a sudden jump with the sound, it is indicating a wobbly universal joint. Step 4: Park the vehicle and flat ground and turn the engine off. Keep the car in park with the wheels chocked and attempt to move the driveshaft. Slow turn it and note any reactions in the U-joint. When turned, loose joints allow the driveshaft to rotate as much as ¼ to ½” in either direction. Step 5: Stick a big, flat screwdriver inside the yoke connecting the driveshaft to the differential or transmission yoke. Now turn the shaft by moving the screwdriver up and down. Observe any movements in the driveshaft that would be indicative of a loose U-joint.

Examine the U-joints with a flashlight. Look out for broken or chipped bearing caps, missing bearing, rust, or retaining clips in the yokes.

How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U-Joint: A Step-by-Step Guide On Replacing A U-Joint

While you may be tempted to try out actually how long can you drive with a bad U-joint, but it is highly recommended that you replace it

Tools You Will Need

Process Without U-Joint Tool

Now, let’s see how you can process it without a U-Joint tool.

Step 1

Lift the car into the air, either with the front lower than the rear or level. This will stop the fluid leaking from the transmission. 2 nuts and bolts, alternatively, 4 four bolts are used to secure the rear yoke to the differential yoke – a number that changes depending on the make, model, and year of the vehicle.

These are generally 7/16” or ½”. Once taken out, you can remove the driveshaft by pushing it forward, down, and once more rearward.

Step 2

Smack the yoke using a hammer to release any tension on the snap ring/C clip. Based on the type used, tension is exerted on the snap rings in various directions. Hold the yoke assembly/U-joint by the joint cups and strike the yoke sharply.

Use a pair of pliers to remove the inner snap ring from the yoke’s upper half, or the outer C-clip/snap ring from the lower cup. Repeat the process on the other side to extract both the snap rings/C-clips.

Step 3

Using a press, heavy-duty socket, or a hammer and punch, squeeze the bearing cups outside the toke. Rotate the yoke/driveshaft 180-degrees. Repeat on the other side.

Pro tip: A few heavy-duty yokes feature bearing cups attached on both sides. If that is the case for you, do steps 2 and 3 for the second yoke too.

At every step of the procedure, you must be extremely careful with the driveshaft. To decrease weight on the car, manufacturers keep the driveshaft fairly lightweight and it can dent easily. A dented driveshaft is an unbalanced driveshaft. Then you are going to have a whole different vibration source to deal with.

Step 4

With tape or rubber band, fasten the 2 opposing bearing cups to the replacement joint. At the same time, remove the 2 other caps and push the U-joint’s polished end into the openings of the yoke. Keep a bearing cup below any of these openings and slightly tap the yoke. After the cup is properly seated, use a hammer to secure the yoke. Install the snap ring/C-slip and repeat on the other side.

Step 5

Inspect for binding on the installed joint. You may have to tap it properly to loosen the binding.

Step 6

For this part, you will have to slide under your vehicle. Insert the driveshaft’s transmission end into the tail shaft until it bottoms out. Move to the differential end and lift the tail of the driveshaft to get it into place.

Step 7

Take off the rubber band or tape and set the joint cups into the differential’s pinion yoke. Install the clamps to fasten the U-joint to the yoke and secure the bolts and nuts. Install the snap rings/C-clips to lock them in place.

Step 8

Lower the vehicle to ground level, start the engine and note any clunking in the U-joints/driveshaft.

Process With U-Joint Tool

And now, let’s discuss processing with a U-Joint tool.

Step 1

Mark the yoke and driveshaft sides that will have the new U-joint replacement installed. With the vehicle’s driveshaft out, place it on a flat workbench or any comfortable work surface.

Step 2

Find the right size press cup fit for the driveshaft yoke and position the cup on top of the threaded rod. Get another cup that is bigger than the U-joint cups but smaller than the opening of the yoke.

Step 3

Position the U-joint tool against the yoke. Secure the threaded rod with your hand. When you remove the snap rings/C-clips, it will secure the caps. You may have to remove the tension in a clip with the press before flipping it around to extract the other clip.

Step 4

Continue fastening the threaded rod to remove one cap from the yoke. Turn the tool around and redo the process to remove the opposite cap as well as the “cross” of the U-joint. Keep the cross at a 90-degree angle to the yoke – that will make the process slightly easier.

Step 5

Secure the caps to the new joint using tape or a rubber band. Lodge the cross inside the yoke. Push it as far as you can to one and slide the new cap into the yoke, as far as possible. With the threaded rod’s end against the cap, set the tool to slide that cap inside.

Step 6

Press down the threaded rod to push the cap against the yoke until it is seated properly. Remove the tool and flip it before repeating on the other side. Make sure it is easy to pivot the joints.

Step 7

Going under the vehicle, push the transmission yoke inside the tail shift. Raise the shaft’s rear into position and install the latch the flanges/install the straps, making sure it lines up with the marks made previously.

How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U-Joint?

It is crucial to address a bad U-joint as soon as you suspect there might be problems with the component. A completely failed universal joint can make the driveshaft fall out of the undercarriage, causing serious damage to the vehicle, if not an accident.

How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U-Joint: Replacement Cost Of U-Joint

Usually, U-joints are serviceable parts that can be changed without needing to replace the whole driveshaft. If you want to get professional help for your U-joint replacement, expect to pay anywhere between $200 to $450 depending on the make, model, and year of the vehicle as well as the extent of the damages.

You can save coins by doing the replacement yourself. It is fairly simple and requires one to one and a half hours at the most. You can get a replacement U-joint for under $50.

Finishing Thoughts

Never ignore the signs your car is giving you, especially if they may be related to a poor U-joint. Address the problem right away and save yourself from a potentially punching-hole-in-wallet bill. Knowing the condition of your car parts will help you estimate how long can you drive with a bad U-joint.

It is necessary to inspect for transmission leakage. Lubricants can extend the service life of a U-joint but you may have to replace it down the line; keep that in mind.

Approved Tools

These tools have been tried and tested by our team, they are ideal for fixing your car at home.

How Often Should U-Joints Be Replaced?

U-joints should last forever – or at least the life of the vehicle. “Should” is the operative word here. U-joints aren’t supposed to wear out, but it happens. Also, u-joints can break.

It’s easy to predict the lifespan of some car parts, such as shocks. But not u-joints. U-joints can last decades, or they can break when the vehicle is still new. That’s why it’s a good idea to check the u-joints at every oil change. A typical rear wheel drive vehicle has 2 or 3 u-joints. Some vehicles with a long wheel base, such as buses, have 3 or more u-joints. The more u-joints a vehicle has, the higher the chance a u-joint will fail.

What Could Cause A U-Joint To Fail?

Image Credit: AdvRider

Most of the time, you can attribute u-joint failure to one of the following reasons:

Improper lubrication: Some u-joints need regular maintenance. In most cases, you have to grease your u-joints every 5,000 miles or so. When you fail to service your u-joints on a regular basis, they will fail. You don’t have to worry about this problem with maintenance free u-joints.

Misalignment: This happens when you change the vehicle’s ride height. The u-joint operating angles change if you lift the vehicle. The greater the operating angle, the more the u-joint moves with each rotation of the driveshaft. This wears the u-joint out faster.

Loose connections: The bolts holding the u-joints in place can get loose or fall out over time. This happens usually because of corrosion, excessive vibration, or improper torquing.

Wear and tear: Even though u-joints should last the lifetime of the vehicle, they can wear out early. This is common on off-road vehicles or vehicles that tow frequently.

This post has more information on the most common causes of u-joint failure.

What Happens When You Don’t Replace Your U-Joints?

A u-joint may seem like a small and insignificant part, but its failure will eventually render the vehicle unusable. The driveshaft will no longer be able to spin anymore. That means you won’t have anything to turn the wheels anymore. It won’t happen out of the blue, though. You’ll notice some symptoms leading up to the event. Some symptoms include:

Vibration when accelerating or decelerating

Clunking noises from the underside of the vehicle when changing direction from foward to reverse or reverse to forward

Leaking from the rear pinion seal and/or transmission seal

If you replace the u-joint(s) when you notice these symptoms, you’ll avoid the major hassle of complete failure.

Quality Matters

If one of your u-joints has failed, the right replacement parts will make all the difference. It’s important to replace your u-joints in pairs, even if one of them seem like it is still good. If one has failed, the other doesn’t have long to live.

GMB Is The Leading Brand For U-Joints

At GMB, we are committed to providing high quality parts that perform well for a long time. We’ve been specializing in u-joints since 1943. Many industry experts consider us the leading brand for u-joints for the following reasons:

1. GMB U-Joints Are Designed To OE Specs

In fact, many major auto manufacturers hire GMB to build its OEM parts, including u-joints. That means two things:

These manufacturers have full confidence in GMB’s ability to build high quality OEM parts GMB’s own line of u-joints meets or exceeds OEM specs

GMB puts all its u-joints through extensive multi-stage testing as a part of our quality control process.

2. GMB U-Joints Are Built With High Quality Materials

At GMB, we care about quality. We want your u-joints to last forever. That’s why we use the following materials:

Special Chrome-Molybdenum Alloy Steel for superior corrosion resistance

Heavy duty needle bearings for greater load capacity

Exact fit snap rings

3. GMB U-Joints Are Easy To Install

All GMB u-joints come with the snap rings needed for installation to ensure easy installation. Strap kits and bolt kits are also included for Heavy Duty u-joints, where applicable. Strap kits and u-bolt kits are also available to be purchased separately.

Learn more about GMB u-joints today!

So you have finished reading the how long can you drive with a bad u joint topic article, if you find this article useful, please share it. Thank you very much. See more: what causes u joints to go bad, can you drive with a bad front u joint, u joint noise when accelerating, can a bad u joint cause loss of power, what does a bad u joint sound like, can bad u joints cause hard shifting, can a tight u joint cause vibration, u joint replacement

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