Audi is one of the most popular European car brands, known for manufacturing reliable and comfortable vehicles for their drivers. Your Audi is made up of many components that help it to function in the best way possible, and if any of these parts becomes damaged, cracked, or loose, the performance of your Audi will be seriously affected. One of the parts that can have issues and affect your driving is a failing driveshaft.
To maintain the integrity of your Audi, you have to ensure that you keep up with the maintenance schedule recommended by the manufacturer. In this article, we’ll find out the best ways to spot a potential or current driveshaft failure in your Audi. Before then, let’s quickly learn the basics of the driveshaft operation.
How the Driveshaft Works
Various automotive components work together to deliver the power of the engine to the wheels. One of the components that ensures your car moves is the driveshaft. The driveshaft is a rod-like car component of the powertrain that connects its many components, particularly the axles, gearbox, and differential, to each other for movement. This component is also called the propeller shaft by some car users. The driveshaft’s primary duty is to transfer rotational energy from the gearbox to the wheel axles.
Driveshafts are popular in four-wheel or rear-wheel drive vehicles since the gearbox and axle are located in separate areas, necessitating the usage of a driveshaft to link the pieces and convey power. Because driveshafts function by spinning at high speeds and torque across great distances, things like splines, joints, and couplings are used to offer flexibility and increase the stress-bearing capabilities of the system.
How Can You Identify an Audi’s Driveshaft Failure
Some of the signs that are noticed when Audi’s driveshaft fails or is damaged are as follows:
- Strong and Unusual Vibrations: As a driver, you need to understand your vehicle and be able to tell different signs of a failing part in your vehicle. A strong or unusual vibration from underneath your Audi is the most visible indication of a failing driveshaft. The most common cause of these vibrations is worn or broken universal joints or bushings. An imbalanced driveshaft can also make you experience vibrations in your car.
- Steering and Turning Issues: A malfunctioning universal joint cannot generate the needed amount of torque and adds difficulty to the turning ability of your Audi. This makes it difficult to manage your car while driving. A difficulty in the ability to maneuver is a safety issue that must be dealt with immediately.
- Unusual Noises from your Audi: Aside from the vibrations and steering issues, another way to identify a failing driveshaft is when you hear a strange noise. These unusual sounds include clanking, rattling, squeaking, and banging. The sounds are caused when there is wear and tear in the driveshaft joint bearings, preventing the joints from moving properly and causing odd noises.
Maintenance to Support Your Driveshaft
Regular maintenance for an Audi’s driveshaft is extremely important for preventing expensive repairs or outright replacement. Proper upkeep like checking and replacing transmission fluid, rotating tires, and balancing the driveshaft ensures Audi’s overall performance and function as a means of transportation.
Due to Audi’s status as a premium automobile brand, its parts also have a high cost of repair or replacement. As such, ensuring that the Audi’s driveshaft receives regular maintenance is vitally important in order to preserve both quality performance and personal finances.
Get the Best Driveshaft Repair Service at Bavarian Workshop
A perfectly-working driveshaft is critical for safe driving and high vehicle performance. Any damage to the driveshaft can mean disaster for the whole vehicle. It is critical to seek the advice of a competent technician who can inspect and evaluate the driveshaft assembly of your Audi and make any required repairs. Bavarian Workshop has been tested and trusted by Audi car owners in Agoura, Calabasas, Woodland Hills, and West Hills, CA.
We are the leading dealership alternative in the area, so bring your car to us for a quick fix if you need a quality driveshaft service. You can reach out to us on our service line to schedule your next appointment with one of our experts. We look forward to earning your business today!