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Chassis, Driveline, and Suspension
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What components are included in a vehicle chassis?
The frame assembly, suspension system, steering system, and drive line are components of the vehicle chassis.
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What does the suspension system do?
The suspension absorbs bumps and road shock and adds stability to the vehicle. It is composed of springs, shock absorbers, McPherson strut assemblies, various bushings, ball joints, and stabilizer devices. All of the parts are subject to wear during the service life of a vehicle.
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What is a Constant Velocity (C/V) Joint?
A C/V Joint is a type of drive shaft universal joint that allows linear movement as well as lateral movement. This drive shaft configuration is used on front wheel drive autos, 4-wheel drives, and rear wheel drive vehicles with independent suspensions. The C/V Joints allow the drive shaft to move up and down with the suspension and left and right as the vehicle is steered. Each drive shaft has two C/V Joints to allow for this movement. The bearing components are lubricated by grease and the whole assembly is sealed with a rubber bellows-type boot.
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What causes a C/V Joint to fail?
The most common problem with C/V Joints is failure due to a lack of lubrication. Lubricity is lost when the rubber bellows boot splits and centrifugal force slings out the grease. The outer boot next to the brake assembly is usually damaged by road debris. The inner boot is often in proximity to a hot exhaust pipe and is affected by elevated temperatures.
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What are symptoms of a worn C/V Joint?
Grease accumulation on chassis components near the C/V Joint is an indication that the seal has broken on the boot. A clicking sound, which may be intermittent, is the most common sign as the bearings begin to erode the C/V Joint housing. Increased noise and vibration will be evident as the deterioration worsens. The most cost effective repair of a failed C/V Joint is replacement of the shaft assembly that includes both C/V Joints.
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What are symptoms of a worn universal joint?
A conventional rear-wheel drive vehicle drive shaft contains at least two universal joints. Failure of these components is quite rare. The most common symptom is a very fast vibration or roughness when coasting or decelerating. The vibration will seem to disappear when adding power or accelerating.
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