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Restoring Cars: Fixing Up an Old Clunker

Last year, I found an old car that looked a lot like the one I owned when I was in high school. Since I have some time and a little money to invest, I bought the car. While it was not in the best of shape, it struck me that restoring it would be a great project. Fixing up that old clunker was a lot of fun. Along the way, I learned things about exhaust systems and other car repairs that I never knew. My old car runs like new now, and I like to drive it around every weekend to show off my handiwork. If you are interested in restoring an older car, let me share what I've learned. A year from now, you'll also be out on the town showing off what you've done with your own two hands.

 

Restoring Cars: Fixing Up an Old Clunker

Know The Signs Of Rear Universal Joint Failure On Your Older Model SUV

19 October 2015
 Categories: Automotive, Blog

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If you enjoy taking your older model sports utility vehicle out into the woods for a day of fun driving down bumpy dirt roads and exploring the wilderness, then you will eventually notice the tell-tale signs of a universal joint failure on the rear axle. When the universal joint begins to fail, you will first hear some noise and then your vehicle will start to have problems driving straight on the road. If you do not recognise these early signs of a broken universal joint, then it can fail and cause catastrophic damage to your SUV's differential and transmission.      

Here is some information about each of the symptoms of a universal joint failure to help you recognise a failing universal joint in your SUV before it has a chance to cause very expensive damage:

The Sounds Associated with a Rear Universal Joint Failure

When the universal joint of your SUV is damaged, it will start to make a metallic rattling sound. You will begin hearing a clanging noise coming from the backend of your vehicle. The noise resembles two metal cans being banged together, and it is the first sign of a problem with a universal joint.

When you shift your SUV into reverse or drive, you will also hear a clunking noise coming from the back end. This sound is caused by the universal joint moving when the differential moves into gear.

The Driving Problems Associated with a Rear Universal Joint Failure

The rear universal joint connects the driveshaft at the differential. When the universal joint becomes damaged, it will cause your SUV to have a very rhythmic vibration as you drive down the road. You will not feel anything at an idle, but as your SUV accelerates, the driveshaft will spin in an out-of-round motion and you will feel a vibration from side-to-side. The faster you drive, then the more vibration you will feel. 

The Damage a Failed Rear Universal Joint Will Cause

When a rear universal joint fails on an SUV, it will cause the driveshaft to spin out of the transmission on one end and the differential on the other end. When the driveshaft becomes dislodged, it can cause damage to the internal parts of the differential and transmission as it comes flying out. This can easily ruin both parts. So, it is vital that you get your SUV into a mechanic (such as one from Foothill Service) at the first signs of a rear universal joint failure.