Faulty Cardan Shaft: A Costly Risk for Vehicle Owners
Vehicle owners beware: driving with a faulty shaft can lead to costly repairs and even safety risks. This crucial component, responsible for transmitting power from the engine to the wheels, can develop defects due to various reasons. Symptoms include knocking noises, vibrations, and shifting problems. Timely repair is essential to prevent further damage.
The drive shaft, invented much later than commonly believed, is a combination of universal joints. It's integral to vehicles with all-wheel or rear-wheel drive and front engines. Defects, though rare, can occur due to material fatigue, overloading, corrosion, accidents, or hard landings. Symptoms range from knocking noises and vibrations to acceleration issues and clicking during load changes.
Repairing the shaft oneself is possible with the right tools and experience. However, mistakes can lead to serious consequences and follow-up damage. Professional repair or replacement, depending on the extent of damage, can cost between 60 euros for individual parts to 500 to 2000 euros for a new drive shaft (as of November 2023).
Regular checks and prompt attention to any unusual noises or vibrations can prevent expensive damage and ensure safety. If you suspect a faulty shaft, consult a professional mechanic for inspection and repair. Driving with a defective shaft can lead to a break in the shaft and further, costly damage.
