What is the function of u-joints? Is it only a optional device? I have a loose U-joint on the left hande side. It has been 8 months now. Is it necessary to fix it?
2006-10-08 04:09:50 · 10 answers · asked by Wallace L 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Yes .. dangerous for you and the others on the highway. Get it fixed ASAP!!!
2006-10-08 04:17:16 · answer #1 · answered by KatNip 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since you are talking about the "left side" you must be speaking of either a 4WD truck, or the C/V joints on a front wheel drive vehicle.
If it is a 4WD pick-up about all you will lose is power to that side in four wheel mode, unless the drive axle drops down. Then you could flip over or drag it and ruin it.
If you have a front wheel drive automobile there could be problems. You probably won't do much damage to the car, but, if it goes completely, there other things to consider. Should the axle drop off the car you can have some problems. You could run over it with the rear tire and damage the underside of the car or the rear wheel. The axle pulls out of the transmission if the joint completely breaks apart, so you lose most of the fluid. You have to pay to have that cleaned up by a hazmat company. You will be stranded by the side of the road because the axle is what makes the front drive wheels go around and gets the car down the road. You will lose core value of the axle, so that will cost you extra. You will probably get a ticket for driving an unsafe vehicle. You will have to walk everywhere. After 8 months, the joint is about ready to break, so look forward to walking in the very near future.
C/V axles only cost about $60.00. You can go down to your local library and read in their repair books how to replace it. Most libraries will even copy some pages for you for reference.
2006-10-08 04:35:29 · answer #2 · answered by Thomas S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is dangerous to drive with loose U joints. When it finally does fall apart, you run the risk of losing it on the roadway and can get others hurt from road debris from your vehicle. Let alone your own safety and well being, as you could lose control, or even cause an accident, since you won't be able to control the speed of the vehicle anymore. Best bet, GET IT FIXED. Good luck.
2006-10-08 04:14:15 · answer #3 · answered by Silverstang 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What you are describing it think? is a constant velosity joint that makes clicking noise when turning and accelerating. RIGHT? year make model and how many miles are especially helpfull. The joint will continue to click until it fails and will not move your car. Not very unsafe. But it will break at the worst time. Remanufactured axles cost only 89/100 dollars so fix it!
2006-10-08 04:19:09 · answer #4 · answered by John Paul 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A universal or constant velocity joint is used on the axle shafts to allow the wheels to be steered. I am surprised it lasted that long. If it breaks, you will be stranded wherever you are. If it is on a railroad track or busy intersection, yes, it would be dangerous. If you are going more than about 10 mph when it breaks, you are in danger of the axle shaft flailing about and tearing up something else.
2006-10-08 04:17:18 · answer #5 · answered by eferrell01 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have a "u-joint" on the left side what you actually have is CV joints (Constant Velocity). I presume your car is front wheel drive. Only rear wheel drive use what is called a U-Joint.
Yes this is very dangerous to you AND your automobile. Get them fixed as soon as possible!
2006-10-08 04:14:13 · answer #6 · answered by noobienoob2000 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is. When it breaks loose or seizes, you will NOT enjoy the outcome. It's a pivot joint that takes the full load of horsepower as it's transferred from the transmission to the wheel.
2006-10-08 04:18:53 · answer #7 · answered by westgaliberty 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no problem dude after 8 months id say its close to fixn itsself when you stop hearing that annoying clicking noise when you turn the wheel it will be fixed of corse you probly should get it fixed real soon
2006-10-08 04:20:33 · answer #8 · answered by simplemanmd 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its not optional to leave it for 8 months is silly its also dangerious to yourself and any one else.Please get it fixed.Regards Mick Uk.
2006-10-08 05:24:24 · answer #9 · answered by mick 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Danger Danger!!! Get it fixed, it will only pop for so long then BAM!!! It will come apart. Hurry...........
2006-10-11 17:39:24 · answer #10 · answered by cramenuski 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋