How Long Can you Drive with a Bad U Joint? Understanding the Impact!

It is questionable how long you can drive with a bad U joint because it is the connector between the vehicle’s driveshaft and differential. Thus, you should not put yourself in trouble by driving with a faulty U joint. In this guide, we will be discussing the average duration you can drive with a bad U joint, along with some other important aspects of this case. So, make sure to stay till the end!

How Long Can you Drive with a Bad U Joint?

You can drive a few hundred miles with a bad U joint, but it is not recommended. Driving with a bad universal joint (U-joint) is highly risky and should be avoided if possible.

The duration for which you can continue driving with a failing U-joint is unpredictable and varies widely.

It could last for a few miles or a bit longer, but it’s important to understand that the risk of catastrophic failure increases with every mile driven.

In fact, a bad U-joint can fail suddenly, leading to a complete loss of power transmission from the engine to the wheels.

This can result in the driveshaft disconnecting, potentially causing further damage to your vehicle and posing a serious safety risk to you and others on the road. Therefore, the moment you suspect a U-joint issue, it’s crucial to address it immediately.

In some cases, a vehicle with a failing U-joint might make it to a nearby garage, especially if it’s only a short distance away.

However, the smartest and safest course of action is to avoid driving the vehicle and instead have it towed to a repair facility for immediate service. This not only ensures your safety but also helps prevent further damage to your vehicle.

How to Replace U Joint?

The best practice to deal with a faulty U joint is replacing it. So, let’s see how you can do it.

First, park your vehicle on flat ground and engage the parking brake. Use jack stands to prop up the vehicle’s frame securely during your work.
Next, identify the U joint needing replacement. Typically, you’ll find a grease fitting on one side of the U joint, which is where you’ll later attach a grease gun for lubrication after installation.
Proceed to unscrew the U joint’s retaining bolts using a socket set. These bolts are generally arranged as two on each side of the joint.
After bolt removal, the U joint should be detached from the driveshaft or axle. If it resists, gently tapping it with a hammer might be necessary to dislodge it.
Now, align the replacement U joint with the opening in the driveshaft or axle, pushing it in firmly until it’s fully seated.
Then, reinstall the bolts to secure the U joint, ensuring they’re tightened to the specifications recommended by the manufacturer.
Make sure to lubricate the new joint by connecting your grease gun to the fitting and pumping grease until it appears on the opposite side.
As the last step, lower your vehicle from the jack stands and conduct a test drive to confirm proper functioning. Any strange noises or looseness in the joint should prompt an immediate stop and professional inspection.

What Happens If you Keep Driving with a Bad U Joint?

If you keep driving with a bad U joint, it can be a threat to your safety. Go through the following consequences caused by a faulty U joint.

Worsening Damage: As we’ve seen, neglecting a bad U-joint only worsens the problem. This leads to increased vibrations, wobbling, and extra stress on parts like axles and differentials.
Risk of Major Breakdown: The driveshaft may snap, risking wheel lock-up and accidents. Moreover, there will be damage to nearby components, like the transmission.
Safety Concerns: We strongly emphasize this point. The reason why, a deteriorating U joint can affect steering, compromising your control. In severe cases, the driveshaft might break through the vehicle’s floor, which is extremely dangerous.
High Repair Costs: In our experience, early intervention is key. Ignoring early symptoms like squeaking or shaking can lead to much more expensive repairs later.
The Inconvenience of a Breakdown: We suggest always being prepared for this possibility. If a U-joint fails, you might find yourself stranded, needing a tow and facing travel delays.

How to Prevent Bad U Joints?

Regular maintenance is key to prevent bad U joints. Here, we have explained all the preventative measures in detail so you will not encounter this issue in future.

Consistent Maintenance: We recommend following your vehicle’s maintenance guide closely. Regular greasing of U-joints, using the right tools, is a must to ensure smooth operation.
Routine Checks: Every time you change or rotate tires, make a habit of inspecting the U-joints. Look for any signs of wear, like cracks or leaks and unusual movements or rust around the seals.
Mind the Load: Overloading your vehicle is a surefire way to stress the U-joints. Thus, we suggest adhering to your vehicle’s load capacity to prevent premature wear.
Drive Smoothly: Aggressive driving habits can harm your U-joints. From what we’ve seen, gentle acceleration and braking contribute to the longevity of these components.
Careful Off-Roading: Love off-road driving? But unfortunately, dirt and water can damage U-joints. Regular cleaning and protective measures can be a great help.
Heed the Warning Signs: If you hear squeaks or feel vibrations, don’t ignore them. These are early indicators of U-joint issues. Addressing them early can save you from bigger problems.