strange driveshaft problem, now disappeared..

andycadabra · Post by **andycadabra** » Tue Sep 06, 2011 8:50 pm

The other day, heavily loaded and on the motorway, I was getting a nasty pull to the left combined with a juddering through the steering wheel, for a few seconds at a time at first, and then worsening. I pulled over and checked the tyre pressure and wheel nuts to no avail. Then I discovered the problem went away when I put the clutch pedal down, and decided it must be a CV joint/driveshaft problem, and came home on the back of a recovery truck.
Funny thing is now I'm back the car seems to be fine. If anyone has any ideas what could have caused this phenomenon I'd be very grateful!

MULLEY · Post by **MULLEY** » Tue Sep 06, 2011 9:07 pm

As it heats up the offending part starts to cause the issue you've described. Once cooled down, it seems fine??

rmattila · Post by **rmattila** » Tue Sep 06, 2011 9:12 pm

If the centre (=normally used) region of the CV joint grooves has lost all lubrication, it makes the said effect. Then, if you turn the wheels and let them roll a few turns, the balls may fetch some fresh grease from the end of their travel, and the problem disappears for a while.

andycadabra · Post by **andycadabra** » Tue Sep 06, 2011 11:10 pm

Thanks for the tips!. Might try driving it up to temperature tomorrow, Mulley.
I've already booked it in to the garage on thurs, so rather than cancel, I'd better take it in and trust that nothing unnecessary gets done..

Vanny · Post by **Vanny** » Wed Sep 07, 2011 12:17 am

CV and drive train issues are usually worst under heavy load!

See if you can borrow a heavily laden trailer and i suspect you'll find the fault is still there.

adamskibx · Post by **adamskibx** » Fri Sep 09, 2011 7:32 pm

I once had a similar issue; Its most likely the middle bearing running dry; the frictional co-efficient causing the angle of the rotating shaft causing vibration and a turning effect on the suspension and friction in the CV thus having an effect on the steering.

andycadabra · Post by **andycadabra** » Sat Sep 10, 2011 12:12 pm

Well, the mechanic couldn't find anything wrong in a 5 min check on thursday. Went up the motorway yesterday with a fullish load and no problem... Thanks for the replies. I'll post if there's any news...

Discoil · Post by **Discoil** » Sat Sep 10, 2011 3:05 pm

Have you checked the state of the tyres.

Mine was pulling etc and I thought it was bushes which I changed.

Turned out to be a faulty tyre. Just perfick now !