The noise that your u-joints make when decelerating is not a normal sound. This high-pitched sound usually comes from u-joints that have lost their lubrication. The noise may vary in pitch depending on the speed that you are driving. It may also be caused by bad engine belts or pulleys.
Symptoms
If your vehicle experiences a loud, squeaking noise when decelerating, it might be a sign of a bad u-joint. Bad U-joints can cause your vehicle to suffer a serious accident if not fixed right away. A broken u-joint will damage your car’s power transmission and brake lines, putting you and your passengers at risk. As soon as you notice these symptoms, contact a mechanic and get your vehicle checked.
A bad u-joint can also lead to vibration and a clunking noise. This vibration is caused by a lack of grease in the universal joint. As the grease dries, microscopic indentations form in the cross section of the universal joint. These indentations cause the bearings to rub against each other, causing the grinding noise. Moreover, the noise is different at different speeds, which may signal a bad pulley or belt.
Another symptom of a failing u-joint is a clunking or shuddering noise in the drivetrain. It may also result in a broken driveshaft. In such a situation, your car will be difficult to control, which may lead to other serious problems.
Causes
There are several causes of u joint noise while decelerating your vehicle. One common problem is a worn u-joint. This wear and tear leads to a squeaking noise. The noise varies in pitch and intensity depending on the speed of the vehicle. It can also be caused by bad engine belts or pulleys.
Another common cause of u-joint noise is an out-of-balance driveshaft. The vibrations from the driveshaft increase with the vehicle’s speed. Sometimes this vibration is mistaken for wheel balance. When a wheel is out of balance, it has a constant vibration while the vehicle is in motion. On the other hand, when a U-joint is failing, the vibration will occur during acceleration and deceleration and will stop when the vehicle is stopped.
If you suspect the noise is coming from the u-joint, it is time to have it checked. Depending on your vehicle’s age and type, a replacement u-joint may cost less than $50. Check online for available u-joints for your vehicle.
Tests
If you are hearing high-pitched popping noises when decelerating your car, it could be due to worn-out universal joints. This noise is also accompanied by an uneven drive shaft. The noise will increase in frequency as you decelerate your car, and is more apparent when the vehicle is moving at a moderate to high speed.
The noise is not related to the speed at which the wheels rotate, but rather to the speeds that the driveshafts operate. This is a dangerous situation, since it can damage your transmission if the u-joints fail. In addition, clunking sounds can be audible inside the vehicle.
U-joints are considered a heavy-duty part, and if they fail, they can severely impact the movement of your car. When they break, you lose a lot of torque and rotational power. Some common causes of drive-line vibration include a stiff u-joint or yoke ears binding or rubbing together. Fortunately, there are many simple ways to diagnose a bad u-joint.
Cost of replacing a u-joint
Replacing a u-joint on your vehicle is an important part of your vehicle’s engine management system. As such, it must be replaced when it breaks, otherwise it can cause the car to have problems and make driving difficult. Fortunately, this repair is relatively inexpensive. The average cost of replacing a u-joint on your car is between $160 and $260, including parts and labour. However, these prices will vary depending on the model and age of your vehicle.
The cost of a replacement u-joint is typically around $200 to $300, depending on your model and make. However, if you have to bring the car to a mechanic, the labor and parts can add up to more than $450.
In addition to the cost of the repair, a bad u-joint can cause serious damage to your vehicle. It can even lead to an accident if your u-joint fails in the middle of a drive.
