Your car’s drivetrain includes the transmission, driveshafts, differentials, CV joints, and axles: everything that helps deliver the engine’s power to the wheels. In all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive vehicles, the transfer case is also a crucial drivetrain component. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with these parts and also with the symptoms of drivetrain trouble. Here are some signs that could indicate that your vehicle needs drivetrain service:
Weakened Acceleration
Any kind of drivetrain malfunction means a less efficient connection between the engine and the wheels. As a result, you’re likely to lose acceleration. When you’re trying to overtake or reach top speeds, your car may respond sluggishly.
Grinding or Clunking Sounds
Odd sounds are often an early symptom of issues with the transmission, differentials, or driveshaft. Clunking could point to a faulty driveshaft, perhaps at the u-joint. Grinding or whining noises may emit from a poorly lubricated or malfunctioning transmission or differential.
Delayed or Slipping Gears
Shifting is entirely the domain of the transmission. If you hear noises when trying to change gears, the issue is almost certainly inside the gearbox. This might be something as simple as low transmission fluid. Delayed, slipping, or stuck gears could indicate a more serious problem.
Difficulty Cornering
Differentials keep your cornering smooth by allowing the wheels to rotate at different speeds; as you turn, the outside wheels must rotate faster than the inside wheels, which have less distance to travel. So if your handling worsens when you corner, the fault most likely lies with one of your differentials.
Jolts and Vibrations
Worn-out components of any drivetrain part can lead to excessive vibrations, shaking, and even rough jolts. Vibrations are likely to be accompanied by strange noises and should prompt you to seek out the services of a technician right away.
Smells of Something Burning
Most drivetrain parts require fluid to stay lubricated and fully functional. If a fluid is neglected, friction will increase, generating heat that can start to burn the fluid. In particular, transmission, transfer case, and differential fluid can emit a burning smell when overheating.
Puddles of Leaking Fluid
When you check under your car, never ignore a mysterious pool of liquid. One of your drivetrain’s components might be leaking. In the case of a leak, it’s unwise to drive until it’s been found and fixed.
Schedule Drivetrain Service at your Terrell Ford Service Center
Whether you’ve noticed a symptom of trouble or not, it’s advisable to have your drivetrain inspected by a trusted technician at least once a year. We can make sure the fluids are topped up and in good condition and examine each part for signs of wear and tear, carrying out repairs as needed.
Visit Platinum Ford in Terrell, TX, today for thorough drivetrain servicing and repairs.
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