If you’re the type of person who likes to live on the edge, you might want to consider buying a pre-2017 Honda CRV. Numerous reports say that these vehicles are prone to driveshaft failure, among other expensive issues.
Here are 10 signs of Honda CRV driveshaft problems:
- Difficulty making turns
- Loud clanking noise
- Shuddering on acceleration
- Squeaking sound
- Clicking or knocking noise
- Intense vibration
- Movement in the U-Joint
- Driveshaft disconnects from the transmission
- Vehicle is leaking fluid
- Steering wheel vibration
This article explains why these Honda CRV driveshaft problems occur, how they can be fixed, and what you can do to prevent them from happening in the future.
Causes of Drive Shaft Problems in Honda CRV
There are many different causes of drive shaft problems in Honda CRV, but the most common one is due to improper stiffness matching between the left and right smooth shafts. This results in more torque to the right spline, which causes driveshaft failure.
Other possible causes of Honda CRV driveshaft problems include a cracked CV joint boot that allows moisture and dirt to enter and damage the CV joint.
Your driving habits can also contribute to driveshaft problems. For example, your CV joints are more likely to fail if you frequently drive on rough roads or occasionally go off-roading. This is why it’s important to have your vehicle serviced regularly and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for maintenance.
Then there is always the possibility that your driveshaft problems are caused by simple wear and tear. Over time, the constant vibration and movement of the driveshaft can cause the components to loosen and eventually fail.
That being said, let’s look at some of the signs of a failing driveshaft in CRVs.
Read: Why Honda CRV Not Starting?
1. Difficulty Making Turns
Difficulty turning is one of the biggest tell-tale signs that your CRV drive shaft is starting to fail. If you experience any jerking or resistance when making turns, there’s a good chance something is wrong with the driveshaft.
You risk losing complete control of the vehicle if you continue driving with a faulty driveshaft, so it’s important to get this problem fixed as soon as possible.
Usually, a complete replacement can do the trick, but you may get away with replacing the damaged parts in some cases. A qualified mechanic will be able to assess the situation and give you an accurate estimate for the repairs.
Read: Bad Camshaft Position Sensor Symptoms
2. Loud Clanking Noise
A loud clanking noise is another common symptom of a failing CRV drive shaft. This noise can be heard when the vehicle is in motion, and it often gets louder when you accelerate.
The issue with a faulty drive shaft is that it can cause damage to other components of the vehicle, such as the transmission. That’s why it’s important to fix this issue immediately.
It’s essential to note that this is not a DIY repair, so you’ll need to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic.
3. Shuddering on Acceleration
If you notice shuddering when you accelerate, this could be a sign that the drive shaft is beginning to fail. But this is not the only possible cause.
In most cases, a loose U-joint may be causing the shuddering, or you may be looking at a bad carrier bearing. The engine mounts could also be damaged, so you never really know until the car is properly inspected.
However, waiting to have this issue fixed will only result in more damage and can even lead to a complete breakdown on the side of the road. So, it’s best to get this problem resolved as soon as possible.
Read: All Wheel Drive: Advantages and Disadvantages
4. Squeaking Sound
A squeaking noise is another common symptom of driveshaft failure. This noise is usually caused by wear and tear on the bearings or bushings. Luckily, it’s an easy DIY fix for the handy car owner.
In most cases, replacing the bearings and bushings should do the trick. However, there may be other issues with your driveshaft that need to be addressed as well. However, the only way to know this is to test the new bearing first.
If the squeaking persists or changes to vibration, get the issue diagnosed as soon as possible to avoid further damage and potentially more costly repairs down the road.
5. Clicking or Knocking Noise
If your driveshaft starts to fail, you may hear a clicking or knocking noise. This type of sound can indicate that the driveshaft is out of balance or an issue with the U-joints.
These issues can cause the driveshaft to vibrate, leading to even more damage. If the problem is not addressed soon enough, you might also be looking at a complete replacement. So, it’s important to have your Honda CRV checked by a mechanic as soon as possible.
6. Intense Vibration
One of the most dangerous symptoms of a failing driveshaft is intense vibration. This can be caused by several issues, including wheel imbalance, misaligned wheels, bent rim, or even loose lug nuts.
Intense vibration usually happens at high speeds and can be extremely dangerous. If you experience this, it’s important to get to a safe place at a slower speed and have your vehicle inspected as soon as possible. The professional will fix the problem by having the driveshaft rebalanced or replaced.
Read: Why Car Speedometer Not Working?
7. Movement in the U-Joint
Another symptom of a failing driveshaft is movement in the U-joint. This can be caused by wear and tear or a loose connection.
To confirm this, you can try to wiggle the driveshaft. If there is any movement, the U-joint likely needs to be replaced.
Again, this is not a DIY repair, and you’ll need to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic.
8. Drive Shaft Disconnects From the Transmission
In some cases, the drive shaft can be disconnected from the transmission. This means you can’t drive your car until the problem is fixed.
If you notice that your driveshaft is no longer connected to the transmission, you’ll need to have it towed to a mechanic. They will then be able to diagnose and fix the problem correctly.
9. Vehicle Is Leaking Fluid
If you notice that your vehicle is leaking fluid, this could be a sign of a problem with the driveshaft. Worn seals or damaged bearings usually cause these leaks.
Fluid leaks can be the beginning of big problems, so it’s important to have this issue diagnosed by a professional. They can then make the necessary repairs and help prevent further damage to your vehicle.
Read: Honda Civic vs. Accord
10. Steering Wheel Vibration
Steering vibration is usually a final warning sign of a failing driveshaft. If you’re experiencing this issue, there are likely bad bearings in your driveshaft that need to be addressed.
Again, this is an easy DIY fix for the right person, but you can also get the car inspected by a professional. This is also a good time to check for more wear and tear and replace anything that looks too old.
Read: Is CVT More Efficient Than Manual Transmission?
How To Avoid Being Stuck With a Lemon Honda CRV?
It can be very frustrating to buy a vehicle that turns out to be a lemon. A lot of money can go into buying and maintaining a car, so it may feel like you’re just throwing away your money if you’re constantly paying for repairs. Thankfully, there are some steps you can take to avoid being stuck with a lemon CRV.
Take Your Time Shopping for a New Car
One of the best things you can do to avoid being stuck with a lemon is to take your time shopping for a new car. This means researching different model years to find out what will work best for your needs.
Taking test drives is also a great way to get an idea of how the car feels and handles. This will help you avoid buying a lemon by choosing a model year with fewer issues.
Run a Full History Report on the Car
It’s very important to run a full history report on the car before you buy it, as this can help uncover any potential issues or accidents that may have occurred in the past. This is one of the best ways to avoid being stuck with a lemon, and it’s easy to do.
Work With a Reputable Dealership
Another important step is to work with a reputable dealership. Reading reviews and asking for recommendations can help you find a dealer that will take good care of you. A reputable dealer will be motivated to make sure that you’re satisfied with your purchase and will do what it takes to resolve any issues quickly and effectively.
Take Good Care of Your Car
In addition to choosing the right dealership, it’s also important to take good care of your car. This means getting it regularly serviced and using high-quality parts and fluids. Doing so will help ensure that your car runs smoothly for a long time, and you don’t end up with a lemon CRV.
