An outboard driveshaft bearing allows the multi-link driveline to operate as efficiently as possible. The main task is to fix the intermediate elements of the cardan, while simultaneously ensuring their free rotation. In fact, the suspension bearing allows for a movable attachment to the propeller shaft support.
Taking into account the fact that this element is quite heavily loaded, during operation it is necessary to periodically maintain the outboard bearing of the cardan and replace it if necessary. Read more in our article.
Design and maintenance of the cardan outboard bearing
Structurally, the cardan bearing includes:
- metal clip;
- rubber cushion;
- ball bearing.
A shaft is inserted into the indicated bearing. The bearing itself is covered with special washers to protect it from water and dirt. Also, the inside of the bearing is filled with a special lubricant to increase the service life of the element.
In general, a cardan bearing:
- well protected from environmental influences;
- is resistant to vibrations;
- is not difficult to maintain and replace;
- allows the driveline to operate quietly and efficiently
The service life of the driveshaft outboard bearing is quite large, but in the case of high loads the part breaks. It is also important to perform periodic maintenance on the outboard bearing to increase service life.
The main task is to choose the right lubricant to reduce friction, as well as reduce the noise level during operation of the cardan drive. It is also important to consider that the rubber cushion may become unusable over time, which will require replacing the rubber cushion of the propeller shaft outboard bearing.
To repair and/or replace the outboard bearing, the cardan shaft must be removed from the machine, after which the outboard bearing of the propeller shaft goes through a troubleshooting process and is replaced if necessary.
How to make sure that the vibration is from the cardan
While driving, use the tachometer to notice the engine speed at which vibration occurs. Then, in another gear, increase the speed until the same phenomenon occurs.
- If vibration occurs at the same speed, but in different gears, then the cause of the malfunction is not in the cardan, since its speed was different.
- If the vibration disappears or decreases when operating in a different gear at the same engine speed, then check the possible causes of the malfunction described above.
Suspension cardan: signs of malfunction and causes
In addition to constant high loads, the driveshaft bearing also actively wears out due to the unsatisfactory condition of roads in the CIS and overloads of the vehicles themselves.
Off-road driving, transporting heavy loads, aggressive environments and difficult operating conditions lead to the fact that the suspension cardan fails much earlier than expected.
When faults occur, outboard bearings can be diagnosed using a number of characteristic signs:
- when the car is moving, strong vibration is noticeable;
- during operation in the cardan area, the bearing makes a hum, grinding noise, etc.;
For example, during an active start from a standstill, a hum is heard, then when moving, something knocks in the area of the cardan, and vibration is transmitted to the body. This clearly indicates problems with the driveline.
These symptoms may occur as a result of wear of the rubber bearing pad. It is also quite common for a cardan bearing to hum when it is cold or in extreme heat. It is also impossible to exclude severe contamination of the part, overloads, and errors during repair and installation. As a rule, these are the main factors leading to increased load on the cardan with subsequent bearing failure.
Separately, we would like to add that sometimes the bearing itself, even after replacement, can quickly fail, since a defective part cannot be ruled out (among cheap analogues it occurs quite often). The same can be said about a part that is initially of low quality. The result is the appearance of signs of failure even in a relatively “fresh” bearing.
Intermittent or constant squeaking
Periodic squeaking occurs when you press the gas pedal, and disappears when coasting. In some cases, the appearance of a squeak depends on the temperature outside, as well as the angle of operation of the hinge - cross or CV joint.
- The driveshaft crosspiece is jammed. As a rule, it is accompanied by the presence of rusty smudges on the crosspiece. Syringing won't help. Jamming means that the cup bearing has become deformed. The next stage will be its destruction. It is necessary to replace the hinge as soon as possible.
- The CV joint of the cardan wedges in the operating range. Go through, carefully inspect for wear and tear and lubricate, if that doesn’t help, replace.
Repair and replacement of the propeller shaft outboard bearing
As a rule, repairing a driveshaft often comes down to replacing the outboard driveshaft bearing. Depending on the type of car, repairs can be divided into simple and complex. As a rule, replacing an outboard bearing on domestic cars is not a difficult operation.
On foreign cars the situation is different, since the suspension support is often a single unit with the driveshaft, integrated with the CV joint, etc. For this reason, it is important to immediately identify the source of the problems.
Checking the cardan bearing
If you suspect that the outboard bearing has failed:
- first, the driveshaft is removed from the car;
- Next, the shaft is installed on a machine that allows you to check the rotation of the bearing;
- The specialist carries out troubleshooting, evaluates the rotation efficiency and noise level.
We also recommend reading the article on how to replace tie rods and tie rod ends. From this article you will learn about the features of replacing rods and tips, as well as what subtleties and nuances you should pay attention to as part of such a replacement.
Please note that on some cars it is not possible to disassemble the driveshaft; the suspension supports are also not removable. In this case, the bearing is more difficult to diagnose, defective and replace. However, some services still provide the possibility of replacement.
How to replace a suspension bearing
A standard driveshaft bearing replacement looks like this:
- the driveshaft is removed from the car and the suspension support is disassembled;
- Next, the element is checked for play in bearings and splined joints;
- then wear is determined in the area of the bearing seats on the shaft (shaft journal);
- repair of damaged areas and replacement of worn elements is carried out;
- Afterwards, the repaired unit must be assembled, strictly observing all assembly rules;
- The repair process is completed by installing boots to protect the suspension supports from dust, moisture and dirt.
We also note that for the so-called “non-separable” cardans, some experts offer the possibility of alteration. The modification comes down to installing a movable spline joint at the bearing mounting location.
In the future, this will significantly speed up and make the overall process of replacing the outboard driveshaft bearing more affordable.
conclusions
Replacing the steering tips on a VAZ-2114 car is quite simple, but the process itself can take a lot of time and effort, since the fixing nut will not always be unscrewed easily. If the described process seems complicated to the motorist, then you need to contact a car service center, where they will always help with replacement. Separately, it is worth noting that the chassis parts must be changed on time to avoid the tragic consequences described in the article.
Sources
- https://provaz07.ru/hodovaya/zamena-rulevyx-nakonechnikov-vaz-2107-svoimi-rukami.html
- https://carfrance.ru/zamena-rulevyx-nakonechnikov-vaz-2114-svoimi-rukami/
Recommendations
- If you need to buy an outboard bearing, you should remember that it is better to use only original spare parts or high-quality analogues.
This rule also applies to other elements of the cardan drive. Although such parts are more expensive, their service life under high load conditions is noticeably longer. We also add that often when replacing the bearing of the suspension support, the crosspieces with elastic couplings must also be replaced. These elements are also actively worn out. Typically, their service life ends parallel to the suspended support. At the same time, cardan crosspieces and elastic couplings also greatly influence the quality of the cardan transmission. - All work related to the driveshaft requires experience and specialized equipment.
Even minor inaccuracies or errors during installation are not allowed. For this reason, it is better to refrain from attempting DIY repairs and contact qualified specialists. Ignoring this rule can lead to serious damage and increased repair costs. We also recommend reading the article on how to replace ball joints. From this article you will learn how to check and change ball joints on a car with your own hands.
Finally, we note that after performing any work, the driveshaft must be balanced. Balancing the cardan eliminates runout and imbalance, which also increases the service life of the loaded elements of the cardan transmission.
Wear prevention
Preventive actions by the owner, which do not require extra effort, can significantly increase the repair-free mileage of a car. It is important to methodically adhere to the primitive principles of car safety:
- replace damaged boots and protective seals without delay;
- do not allow the bottom to hit the road surface;
- Avoid jerking when changing gears.
Regular visits to car workshops for preventive monitoring of the technical condition of the car will protect the driver from sudden malfunctions on the road.
Diagnostics
If your problem is formulated as “broken outboard bearing,” you should contact a specialized service center for diagnostics in order to accurately identify the breakdown and find out its cause.
When carrying out such a procedure in car services, they take into account the fact that the first sign of natural wear of such a part is vibration, as well as a knocking sound in the area of the driveshaft at the moment when the car starts moving. If previously there were no problems with balancing the axle, but the knocking still appeared unexpectedly, then the first thing you should do is check the outboard bearing. The diagnostic procedure in car services is carried out in the following order:
- First, the machine is installed on an overpass, lift or inspection hole.
- Next, they find the driveshaft itself under the bottom. First of all, mechanics
check the play. To do this, move the part by hand in the axial direction. Free movement in such a situation is unacceptable. - Next, the diagnosticians rotate the cardan and listen to how the bearings behave. If there is vibration, rattling, knocking, or rolling, the part must be replaced immediately.
- The next step is to inspect the body of the part. The degree of tightness of all bearing mountings is checked. Even the slightest leakage of lubricant is not allowed.
- Then the car service workers pay attention to the bearing bracket. The fastening must be reliable.
Important! Such an algorithm allows you to fairly accurately determine whether the outboard bearing is in good condition or requires replacement. It is best that the described procedure be performed by an experienced person who is not the first time to see a faulty outboard bearing.
