How well do you know your vehicle's driveshaft and U-joints?

Study Notes

The driveshaft of a RWD vehicle rotates faster than the wheels due to gear reduction in the differential.
U-joints and driveshaft should be inspected if there is vibration, clicking, or clunking sounds.
Dented or creased driveshaft can collapse and cause severe damage or accidents.
U-joints should be inspected every time the vehicle is lubricated or four times a year.
U-joints cannot be repaired and must be replaced if worn or defective.
Unequal or incorrect U-joint angles can cause severe vibrations.
Working angles of the two U-joints on a driveshaft should be within 1/2 degree of each other.
Shims can be added to bring the two angles closer together.
CV joint wear or failure can cause noise while driving.
Replacement of the entire drive assembly is the standard repair procedure in Europe and Japan for CV joint failure.
CV joint wear can cause noise and requires replacement.
Drive axle shaft assembly can be replaced and sent for remanufacturing.
Service procedures and practices vary depending on location and parts availability.
Hub nut must be removed before servicing a CV joint or shaft assembly.
Driveline "clunk" in rear-wheel-drive vehicles can be caused by excessive clearance in the differential or spline bind.
Vehicle manufacturers recommend removing the driveshaft, cleaning the splines, removing burrs, and applying high-temperature grease to eliminate driveline "clunk" noise.
Synthetic chassis grease is preferred for its high temperature resistance.
The dampener weight on some drive axle shafts is not a balance weight and need not be transferred to the replacement shaft assembly.
Manufacturers warn against using an air impact wrench to remove the hub nut.
Special tools may be required to remove the splined end of the axle from the hub bearing.