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Drive Train |
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CV Shafts &
Boots |
Transfer Case
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Differentials & Axles |
Drive
Shaft & U-Joints |
Bearings |
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| Complete Car
Maintenance: Drive Train, CV Shafts & Boots |
| The constant velocity (CV) shaft, boot
and joints are used on front wheel-drive and many four
wheel-drive vehicles. |
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Maintenance and Care: |
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| CV boots should
be inspected with every oil change
and are inspected as part of AAMCO’s
ProtectCheck. CV boots can be torn
or cracked over time, allowing dirt
into the joint. Unless discovered
quickly, both the boot and joint
will need replacement. In this case,
a replacement axle may be the best
option. |
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| Signs of a bad CV joint
include a clicking noise while turning, or a
shudder or clunk. Go to the experts at AAMCO
if you are experiencing any of these
problems, before the problem gets worse.
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| Complete Car
Maintenance: Drive Train, Transfer Case
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| The transfer case is attached to the
transmission and connects to both the front and rear axles
on a four-wheel drive vehicle. |
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Maintenance and Care: |
| The transfer case should
be checked at every oil change for adequate
lubrication. Many transfer cases require
periodic changes of oil or fluid—a service
available from your local AAMCO center.
Please refer to your owner’s manual for
factory recommended maintenance intervals
for your specific vehicle. |
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| Transfer case problems
include complete loss of four-wheel drive
operation and the inability to switch
between modes. AAMCO center technicians are
experts in the service and repair of
transfer cases and four wheel drive
vehicles. |
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| Complete Car
Maintenance: Drive Train,
Differentials & Axles
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| An axle connects the two wheels on
opposite sides of the vehicle. The differential is gears and
bearings either inside the transmission or the housing of
the axle. |
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Maintenance and Care: |
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differential lube level should be checked
with every oil change. Some differentials
require periodic cleaning and repacking of
wheel bearings. If you drive an SUV or light
truck, and especially if you pull a boat
(meaning these components may get submerged
in water), axle lube should be changed every
year. Please refer to your owner’s manual
for factory recommended maintenance
intervals for your specific vehicle. |
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AAMCO center
technicians are experts in differentials and
axles. Differential problems should be
checked out as soon as possible. Symptoms
include clunking when you accelerate or
shift between drive and reverse, or a
high-pitched howling type of noise. |
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| Complete Car
Maintenance: Drive Train,
Drive Shaft & U-Joints
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| A drive shaft and universal joints
(U-joints) connect the transmission to the rear axle on most
rear wheel drive vehicles. Four wheel drives also use drive
shafts and U-joints. |
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Maintenance and Care: |
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| U-joints
should be inspected at every oil change (and are inspected as part of AAMCO’s
ProtectCheck). SUVs and light trucks often
have drive shaft slip joints that require
lubrication. Please refer to your owner’s
manual for factory recommended maintenance
intervals for your specific vehicle. |
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| Bad U-joints
often squeak when accelerating from a stop,
exhibit a clunking noise when shifting
between drive and reverse, or a shuddering
when accelerating or driving. Bad U-joints
can cause the drive shaft to separate
from the vehicle—causing damage to the
vehicle and requiring potentially expensive
repairs. Bring your vehicle to the experts
at AAMCO if you notice any of these
symptoms. |
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| Complete Car
Maintenance: Drive Train,
Bearings |
| Bearings in the wheels are about the only
bearings requiring routine maintenance, common in rear wheel
drive vehicles. |
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Maintenance and Care: |
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| These
bearings should be cleaned, inspected and
repacked with grease about every two years
or 24,000 miles. Please refer to your
owner’s manual for factory recommended
maintenance intervals for your specific
vehicle. |
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| Metal-to-metal noise in
the wheels, or steering that veers in one
direction or the other, are typical symptoms
of a malfunctioning wheel bearing. Bring
your vehicle to the experts at AAMCO if you
notice either of these symptoms. |
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