Allatoona Diesel

Light-Duty Diesel Driveline Repair Shop

The driveline of a light-duty diesel pickup truck consists of several crucial components responsible for transferring torque from the transmission to the axles and wheels. If the driveline fails, the truck won't move. Therefore, it's important to regularly inspect and service the many moving parts of a diesel pickup truck's driveline to avoid damage and ensure proper vehicle operation. These parts include yokes (end yokes, flange yokes, slip yokes, weld yokes), center bearings, U-joints and CV joints, tubing, shafts (tube shaft, midship shaft, axle shafts), and the differential.

Wear and tear on a pickup truck's driveline largely depends on the weight it's hauling, its frequency and duration of operation, and the driving and road conditions it encounters. More weight, mileage, and rough or inclined terrain means an increased need for torque, which in turn places more pressure on the driveshaft and the entire driveline.

Ford Power Stroke engine removed from Truck
Allatoona Diesel

Driveline Repair in Acworth, Ga

Due to the numerous parts in a diesel truck's driveline, different components can begin to wear down over time before any physical signs of issues in the drive system become apparent. If any of the following occur, it could indicate that a component of the driveline needs maintenance or repair: vibrations (possibly meaning the U-joints or center bearings need replacing), clunking when shifting gears (likely indicating that the U-joints need replacement), a high-pitched noise from the driveshaft when rotating (possibly due to worn-down CV joints), or increased resistance when turning.

Since U-joints are at the connection points at each end of the driveshaft—from the engine to the driveshaft and from the driveshaft to the differential—they are under constant pressure during operation. U-joints can wear down and fail more quickly than other components, but regular maintenance goes a long way in preventing problems with U-joints.

To extend the life of a light-duty diesel pickup truck's driveline, make sure to regularly undergo the following services: lubrication of joints, inspection of joint tolerances (ensuring there isn't too much play in the joints or driveshaft), and flushing the differential to ensure the efficient operation of gears. If you notice any indications of a potential issue in the driveline, bring your vehicle to a service center as soon as possible. Replacing or repairing a specific driveline component is easier and less costly than allowing the issue to persist, which can lead to further damage.