Driveshaft Broke

[Drg racr]

I was driving home, a guy made a left in front of me, so after he did I gave it a little throttle. At about 15pmh, the driveshaft let loose. It was so violent, it spit pieces of shaft into the car behind me. I'm afraid of what it did to the floor also.
Anyone else ever had this problem? I wasn't off-roading, or even hard throttling it.

 

[Maniak]

Most likely you didn't loose the driveshaft. You problably lost a u-joint. They go from neglect or from abuse (wheeling is considered abuse). A driveshaft is really just 2 pieces and has u-joints on the end that connect it to the transsmion (or xfer case if 4x4) and the rear axle.

If your lucky you just need a new u-joint. If your not lucky you will need new ends put on your drive shaft. IF your really unlucky the yoke on the rear axle will need to be changed. It all depends on how much damage was done.


~Mark

 

[Drg racr]

Nope, the U-Joints are still intact. The shaft broke into 3 pieces, with the center section actually opening up (the welded seam came apart). It didn't beat the floor too bad, just scuffed it a little. I had noticed some vibration for a few days, and I was going to check into it tomorrow. I guess I waited too long.

 

[Maniak]

Thats pretty odd.

The u-joint is normally the weak link. They let go before anything else (on purpose)...

Even if those survive (strong ones are put in) the teeth in the slip joint twist and break next (normally)..

for a drive shaft to just let go means there was something wrong with it. Rust, or dented (they loose strength when dented).

~Mark

 

[Drg racr]

Well, it wasn't rusty, but it could have gotten a dent. A couple days ago, I noticed a vibration when I was on the highway doing 80mph. It wasn't bad, so I thought I'd check it out this weekend. I guess I should have crawled under it that day.
Believe me, I've never seen a shaft break like this. I've had them twist and break, but never break and have the tube open up lengthwise. Freaky!

 

[pugsy]

I get sort of a noise vibration (not physical vibration) but sounds like when you have a manual in the wrong gear and give it gas. This only happens between about 80-110 KM/h, higher or lower, it sounds smooth. Could this be similar to the above problem? Or if it's my u-joints starting to go, is there a way I can prolong them? ie. grease them or spray them with oil or anything like that? It's been doing this for over a year now (since I've had it) with no repercussion.

 

[Drg racr]

If it was the driveshaft, it would be vibrating throughout the truck. A vibration noise may be something in the trans or transfer case. Make sure all the fluids are full, and check the wheel bearings. I've had the wheel bearings make noise like that before. If it was the U-jounts, you would be getting a clunk when you put it in reverse or drive (usually).

 

[DeRocha]

I get sort of a noise vibration (not physical vibration) but sounds like when you have a manual in the wrong gear and give it gas. This only happens between about 80-110 KM/h, higher or lower, it sounds smooth. Could this be similar to the above problem? Or if it's my u-joints starting to go, is there a way I can prolong them? ie. grease them or spray them with oil or anything like that? It's been doing this for over a year now (since I've had it) with no repercussion.

Certain U-joints contain zerk fittings and can be greased. Most stock U-joints don't.. Once the lube in the U-joint is gone/dried up the needle bearings inside will rust and wear... On average they last 100K miles or so, less if off-roading and running deep water.. Check the links in my sig like to see whats involved in replacing U-joints...

 

[xsurosisx]

Haha Sorry to bring up this old post but my U-Joint just went out at 286,x.. miles tonight.

 

[DeRocha]

Haha Sorry to bring up this old post but my U-Joint just went out at 286,x.. miles tonight.

286K mile is impressive.. Have you owned the vehicle all that time? Drive shaft or axle shaft U-joint? Drive shaft u-joints last twice as long as axle U-joints; primarily due to the amount and severity of articulation that axle U-joints undergo.