Your vehicle’s drivetrain is its backbone. With multiple moving parts adjusting to changing driving conditions and driver demands, it’s vital to have regular and reliable drivetrain inspection services. Over time, many drivetrain components can wear out or become damaged. When this happens, the stress your car, truck, or SUV is experiencing gets transferred to other components causing a dangerous cascade of negative effects. Routine inspection and lubrication at Lockett’s Auto Care prevents undue wear and prolongs the life of your vehicle.
Our Drivetrain Inspection Services in Catonsville
Numerous issues can arise from your vehicle’s drivetrain, which is why it is so important to get it routinely inspected. Some of the most common issues that arise involve the following:
CV Axle
Should you notice a clicking noise during sharp turns, it may signal a worn CV axle, meaning constant velocity axle. This component of the drivetrain moves to high working angles under load depending on road and driving conditions. The outer CV joint will most likely be heard when turning sharply and accelerating simultaneously. In contrast, the inner joint will either produce a vibration or clunking noise while accelerating, especially from a stop.
U Joint
There are numerous moving parts to the drivetrain, such as U joints (universal joints), which move to accommodate changing driving conditions. Again, stress and strain wear these components down over time, as does repeatedly driving in extreme weather conditions or terrain. Thus, they require routine inspection and lubrication to prevent this.
U joints should be carefully inspected whenever any of the following symptoms occur:
- Vibration or harshness at highway speed
- A clicking sound whenever the vehicle is moving
- A clunking sound when changing gears
Lockett’s Auto Care technicians inspect your vehicle’s drivetrain or driveshaft for dents, debris, and excessive movement while lubricating fittings. Since the drivetrain moves up and down as your car, truck, or SUB moves over the road, unequal or incorrect U-joint working angles can cause severe problems.
Drive Pinion Assembly and Ring Gear
Two other components our technicians examine include the drive pinion and ring gear. Two opposed tapered roller bearings support the drive pinion assembly. Its seal is in the housing with the pinion flange and nut to preload and secure the assembly. The ring gear is bolted to the differential case and opposed tapered roller side bearings to support the case. Threaded adjusters are used on the side bearings to set ring gear to drive pinion gear backlash and preload.
Drivetrain FAQs
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SERVICES AT LOCKETT’S AUTO CARE
Our technicians are prepared to not only answer your questions about your vehicle but provide detailed information about the repair services and maintenance you need. Alongside drivetrain inspection services, we offer a complete and comprehensive range of repair services like:
- Alignment
- Battery
- Belts and hoses
- Electrical
- Differential
- Cooling system
These and other services guarantee your car, truck, or SUV performs at its peak. There’s no need to put off routine maintenance or worry about the cost of repair. Lockett’s Auto Care offers competitive pricing and quality expertise that can be trusted. Reach out to us today at 410.744.4328.