Undercar Service
Undercar Service
Your vehicle is a complex machine with a lot of moving parts. There are many parts you can’t see with your eye that needs regular inspection to make sure they’re working properly and keeping you safe when you drive.
At Spring Works in Santa Rosa, CA, we have a variety of undercar services to do just that. We service and repair drive lines, drive shafts, motor mounts, transmission mounts, and u-joints. If you need undercar service schedule an appointment with us today!
Undercar Repair
Your vehicle’s drivetrain is a series of parts that operate separately from the transmission and engine. Made up of the drivetrain, drive shafts, differentials, wheels, and u-joints is a series of parts that work in tandem to move your vehicle. You’ll find U-joints and driveshafts on most rear-wheel drive and some four-wheel-drive vehicles.
If you notice vibrations or unusual noises bring your vehicle to Spring Works so we can look at the undercar and determine the problem and the correct course of action. Neglecting it for too long can cause your car to breakdown and lead to expensive and time-consuming repairs. If you haven’t noticed any issues, take steps to prevent driveline failure. Bringing your vehicle in for regular maintenance is the first step. During your maintenance visit, we’ll make sure your drivetrain is in peak condition and lubricated properly.
Universal Joint and Constant Velocity Joint Repair
Universal joints, or U-joints, and Constant Velocity (CV Joints) allow drive shafts to move with the suspension in an up and down pattern while the shaft is rotating. This movement transmits power, regardless of whether or not a drive shaft is at the same angle as its point of connection. The main purpose of a U-joint is to prevent wear and tear on your car’s gearboxes and transmission.
You’ll be able to notice if a U-joint or CV Joint needs to be repaired or replaced by listening for it or feeling it when you drive. In particular, these signs indicate that you should bring your vehicle into Spring Works for a U-joint and CV Joint inspection:
● Visible rust coming out of seals
● Loud noises when you shift gears
● Squeaking noises when you move at slow speeds
● Your vehicle shuddering when you step on the gas
● A clicking noise near the front of the vehicle when you turn
It’s a good idea to have your U-joints and CV Joints inspected every time your vehicle is up on a lift. Catching problems early can prevent headaches down the road.
The most common reason for U-joint and CV Joint failure is a lack of lubrication and age. This can happen over time, as U-joints lose lubrication. Most modern vehicles come equipped with lifetime lubrication, which means you shouldn’t need to lubricate them periodically. Older vehicles, some trucks, and some SUVs have lubrication fittings. Most higher end parts have lube fittings.
When you’re buying a used vehicle that has a drive shaft with u-joints or CV Joints, make sure you have it inspected by a certified technician. The technician will examine it for noises, damage, looseness, and broken grease seals. Also, make sure to test drive a used vehicle before you buy it. Turn off the radio and listen for unusual noises during your drive that could indicate a loose u-joint or driveline in need of repair.
Transmission Mounts
Most cars and trucks have at least one transmission mount. Some have two. The transmission mount is responsible for keeping the transmission safe. It also ensures a smooth, quiet ride. If you’re noticing excessive vibrations when your car isn’t moving, it could be time to have your transmission mount inspected.
The transmission mount is comprised of two components: the transmission mount bracket and the transmission mount. The bracket is what secures the transmission to your car and is usually made from steel. The transmission mount is made out of a rubber or urethane bushing, which reduces the noise levels in your vehicle by isolating the vibration of the drivetrain. This mount is connected to the transmission bracket through the means of welding, chemical bonding, or bolting.
It’s common for a transmission mount to fail after 60,000 – 100,000 miles. At this mileage, oxidation can cause the urethane or rubber in the mount to fail. It’s also possible for vibration to cause the steel bracket to fail. The transmission mount can also fail as the result of accident damage or as the result of incorrectly lifting the transmission and engine assembly.
These are some of the warning signs you’ll notice if your transmission mount is failing:
● Clanking noises when you try to shift gears
● Difficulty putting your transmission into gear or shifting
● Excessive vibration while the car’s engine is running.
Motor Mounts
You’ll never notice the motor mounts in your vehicle until they need to be repaired or replaced. Their purpose is to keep you comfortable by absorbing the vibration impacts in your vehicle. Without properly working motor mounts, you’ll be in for an uncomfortable, and loud, ride.
As you might imagine, motor mounts endure a lot of wear and tear, which means they’ll eventually need to be replaced. Most cars start having issues with motor mounts around 60,000 miles. It’s a good idea to have your motor mount checked when you hit this mileage. Putting it off too long can lead to more problems down the road that can lead to serious car repairs. If you hear clunking or the sound of metal falling before your vehicle has reached the 60,000-mile mark, bring it into Spring Works for an inspection.
Automotive Undercar Service & Repair
When your vehicle just isn’t driving as it should, it’s time to get it inspected by one of our certified professionals. Trust our over 25 years of experience to perform your automotive undercar service and repair. Get It Done Right. Make an undercar service or repair appointment today.
