Fault Finding - Drive Shafts

The boots (arrows) on the constant velocity joints of both drive shafts must not be cracked or otherwise damaged. Water and dirt are harmful to the constant velocity joint.

Drive shafts usually cause no problems. Their service life naturally depends on driving style. Sharp starts with the front wheels turned and pulling away with wheel spin lead to premature joint failure.

Drive shaft joints may suddenly show signs of a fault, which may however soon disappear completely again. This "quiet phase" may last for many days or kilometers.

Characteristic symptoms are rhythmic vibration or knocking noises when pressing the accelerator pedal or when driving in overrun (coasting). If the noises change depending on steering angle, the outer joint (wheel side) is most likely faulty.

Vibration and shudder in the steering wheel with the wheels turned also indicate a faulty outer joint.