Your vehicle’s driveshaft is integral to the performance and drivability of your vehicle. The driveshaft is a steel or aluminum cylindrical component that connects the transmission to the rear differential. The driveshaft connects to the transmission through the CV joints, which are responsible for transferring the torque from the transmission to the drive wheels at a constant speed.

Over time and through normal use, your vehicle’s driveshaft components such as u-joints may require maintenance or replacement services.

Sergeant Clutch proudly serves the Driveshaft Repair Service needs of customers in San Antonio, Converse, Kirby, Windcrest, Live Oak, Universal City, New Braunfels, San Marcos, Fort Sam Houston, Lackland AFB, Kelly AFB, City Base, Randolph AFB and South Texas.

Driveshaft Balance Services by Sergeant Clutch

The driveshaft, which is located between your vehicle’s differentials, is responsible for transferring torque and rotation to the drive wheels and other drivetrain components. The driveshaft is tubular with an outer metal housing and an inner metal cylinder that spins at a rotational force determined by engine output.

Essentially, the driveshaft tells the wheels to switch from idle to drive. Designed to endure sheer stress and torsion, driveshafts apply forces of motion without adding additional weight or stress to other drivetrain components.

Driveshaft components like CV joints, U-joints, and yokes accommodate axial movement and allow for variation in driveline angles and distances between components. Like tires, your driveshaft should be balanced to promote safe operation and prevent failure.

Give us a call or stop by our shop when you’re ready to balance your driveshaft or replace your u-joints.

Why Should You Have Driveshaft Balance Services Performed by Sergeant Clutch?

For a driveshaft to be properly balanced, the torque coming from the engine and transmission must be equal to the speed at which the shaft spins. Balancing your driveshaft will ensure smooth driveline operation and help prevent the dangerous and destructive effects of an out-of-balance driveshaft. Driveshafts are balanced between a certain speed as indicated by the manufacturer.

Failure can occur once the driveshaft reaches critical speed resulting from an unstable amount of RPMs, a rate determined by the length and diameter of the driveshaft. Vibration is the most common indicator of the driveshaft or other rotating components being out of balance.

When you begin to feel a vibration coming from your vehicle’s driveshaft, contact us immediately so we can diagnose the type of vibrations occurring and determine the correct repair procedure.

We pride ourselves on offering superior customer service and expert advice on basic driveshaft maintenance.

U-Joint Replacement Services by Sergeant Clutch

Universal joints, often referred to as u-joints, are flexible couplings that serve an important role on your vehicle. One of the primary duties of a u-joint is to transmit the rotational force between the transmission, the driveshaft, and the differentials, which are responsible for turning your vehicle’s drive wheels. As a critical linking component, a u-joint should be flexible enough to compensate for angle and alignment changes between the driveshaft and differentials. U-joints consist of four legs, or trunnions, that extend from the center cross, or body. The legs are covered with bearing caps and are housed within the yoke, which is designed to pivot and spin as they rotate with the driveshaft. Although many original equipment u-joints are sealed, some aftermarket u-joints are greasable and should be lubricated periodically. Understanding the type of u-joints on your vehicle will help you determine the proper maintenance intervals and decide when a u-joint should be replaced.

Why Should You Have U-Joint Replacement Services Performed by Sergeant Clutch

Clicking, squeaking, and grinding noises while driving are warning signs that your u-joints may require replacement. The cost of replacing your u-joint can be cheaper than the major repairs you may face if a worn u-joint is left untreated. Vibrations and rattling noises are key indicators of a faulty u-joint. Grinding noises may be an indication of metal on metal, which will cause u-joints to wear out quickly. Because they are subject to torque and force from the engine, u-joints may bend. On older vehicles, u-joints will rust, adding surface resistance onto the joints, making them less able to turn as they once did. Routine inspections of your u-joints have been known to prevent more expensive repairs. Replacing your u-joints at the first sign of trouble will also help prevent failure in your vehicle’s driveline. When you need new u-joints, give us a call.

Driveshaft Yoke Replacement Services by Sergeant Clutch

Driveshaft yokes are located on the ends of the driveshaft. In most configurations, one yoke connects to the rear of the vehicle while the other yoke reaches into the transmission. The driveshaft sends power from the transmission and turns the differential, which moves the wheels. These connecting components help transfer your vehicle’s rotational energy from the transmission to the moving wheels. Many driveshafts are designed with a slip yoke at one end and an end yoke at the other end. The slip yoke allows for the length of the driveshaft to change with the motion of the suspension system as it reacts to the forces of the road. At the same time, the u-joints allow for changes in angle between the differential and the transmission. These components are designed to be flexible in order to maintain constant speeds and rotational forces between elements of your vehicle’s axle assembly.

Why Should You Have Driveshaft Yoke Replacement Services Performed by Sergeant Clutch

Do you know if one of your yokes needs a replacement? There are some indications. For example, clunking noises are often related to a problem with your vehicle’s yokes. Vibrations felt beneath the floorboard of your vehicle may also be a signal of a damaged yoke. In some cases there may be too much free play or an excessive amount of clearance. Under an excessive amount of stress, a yoke can crack or snap completely. Sometimes, the transmission can twist the yoke. Broken, bent, and twisted yokes should be replaced immediately. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, contact us today for an inspection of your vehicle’s driveshaft assembly and a possible yoke replacement service.