Driveshafts Universal Joints and Yokes
Duramax trucks and any other truck will feature universal joints or u-joints. Front universal joints help transfer power from the transmission to the front driveshaft and from the front driveshaft to the front differential. Over time, your u-joints can wear down and cause driveability issues. Merchant Automotive will be your one-stop source for Duramax universal joints and accessories.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Bad Universal Joint?
When it comes to universal joints, the old saying goes, “when in doubt, change it out.” Universal joints are relatively easy to change and are an inexpensive part to purchase. U-joints can become damaged or fail due to old age, unintended binding from large loads or misalignment, or rougher driving conditions than what was intended by the factory.
Symptoms of a bad front universal joint on a Duramax truck will include:
- Clunking Noises When Shifting Into 4-Wheel Drive
- Vibration When Accelerating or Decelerating In 4-Wheel Drive
- Loud Metal-On-Metal Banging When In 4-Wheel Drive
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, checking your u-joints for any excessive play, damage, or signs of wear is highly recommended. A front u-joint that fails can cause you to be unable to use your 4-wheel drive and could leave you with a dangling front driveshaft.
How Does A Universal Joint Work?
A universal joint is a joint used to connect two rotating components on different planes so that they do not bind and cause catastrophic failure. These joints are used at the driveshaft to allow uninterrupted power transfer when the vehicle experiences a change in height when encountering bumps in the road. These joints connect the yokes of the transmission and differential to the appropriate ends of the driveshaft. They utilize needle bearings to allow for smooth rotation on each of the ends of the crosses. Once these needle bearings become worn out, they will produce a harsher transfer of power and will most likely have more noise.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace Duramax Universal Joints?
When it comes to replacing a universal joint on a Duramax truck, the cost is going to be determined by a variety of different factors. The type of truck, the number of components that need to be replaced, and the cost of the replacement components will all affect the overall cost of replacing universal joints. You can estimate your replacement to be around $250-$500 for a factory replacement u-joint replacement. If you're looking for a complete quote, contact us today.
