Drive Shaft Hanger Bearings: The Basics
Drive Shaft Hanger Bearings: The Basics
If youre driving a car, youre riding on a driveshaft. This long, thin metal rod connects the transmission to the wheels, transmitting power from the engine to the ground. Driveshafts are typically made of steel or aluminum, and they can be either solid or hollow.
Driveshafts are supported by a series of bearings, which allow them to rotate smoothly without binding. The most common type of bearing used in driveshafts is the hanger bearing. Hanger bearings are mounted on the underside of the driveshaft, and they support the weight of the shaft and the components attached to it.
Hanger bearings are typically made of either steel or bronze, and they have a long lifespan when properly maintained. However, hanger bearings can fail if they are not properly lubricated or if they are subjected to excessive stress.
Symptoms of a Bad Hanger Bearing
There are a few different symptoms that can indicate a bad hanger bearing. These symptoms include:
* A growling or whining noise coming from the driveshaft
* Vibration in the driveshaft
* A loss of power
* Difficulty shifting gears
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to have your driveshaft inspected by a qualified mechanic. A bad hanger bearing can cause serious damage to the driveshaft and other components, so it is important to address the problem as soon as possible.
Causes of Hanger Bearing Failure
There are a few different things that can cause a hanger bearing to fail. These include:
* Lack of lubrication
* Excessive stress
* Contamination
* Corrosion
Lack of lubrication is the most common cause of hanger bearing failure. Hanger bearings need to be lubricated regularly to reduce friction and wear. If a hanger bearing is not properly lubricated, it can overheat and fail.
Excessive stress can also cause a hanger bearing to fail. Hanger bearings are designed to handle a certain amount of stress, but if they are subjected to excessive stress, they can fail prematurely. Excessive stress can be caused by a number of things, including:
* Overloading the vehicle
* Towing a heavy trailer
* Driving on rough roads
Contamination can also cause a hanger bearing to fail. Hanger bearings can be contaminated by dirt, water, or other foreign objects. If a hanger bearing is contaminated, it can cause the bearing to wear out prematurely.
Corrosion can also cause a hanger bearing to fail. Corrosion is the process of metal breaking down due to exposure to oxygen and moisture. Hanger bearings are made of metal, so they are susceptible to corrosion. If a hanger bearing is exposed to moisture, it can corrode and fail.
How to Prevent Hanger Bearing Failure
There are a few things you can do to prevent hanger bearing failure. These include:
* Lubricating the hanger bearing regularly
* Avoiding overloading the vehicle
* Avoiding towing heavy trailers
* Driving on smooth roads
* Protecting the hanger bearing from contamination
* Inspecting the hanger bearing regularly
Lubricating the hanger bearing regularly is the most important thing you can do to prevent hanger bearing failure. Hanger bearings should be lubricated every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. You can lubricate the hanger bearing yourself or you can have it lubricated by a qualified mechanic.
Avoiding overloading the vehicle is also important. Overloading the vehicle can put excessive stress on the hanger bearing, which can cause it to fail prematurely.
Avoiding towing heavy trailers is also important. Towing a heavy trailer can put excessive stress on the hanger bearing, which can cause it to fail prematurely.
Driving on smooth roads is also important. Driving on rough roads can cause the hanger bearing to vibrate excessively, which can lead to premature failure.
Protecting the hanger bearing from contamination is also important. Hanger bearings can be contaminated by dirt, water, or other foreign objects. If a hanger bearing is contaminated, it can cause the bearing to wear out prematurely. You can protect the hanger bearing from contamination by keeping the vehicle clean and by avoiding driving in dusty or wet conditions.
Inspecting the hanger bearing regularly is also important. Hanger bearings should be inspected every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. You can inspect the hanger bearing yourself or you can have it inspected by a qualified mechanic.
Replacing a Hanger Bearing
If a hanger bearing fails, it will need to be replaced. Replacing a hanger bearing is a relatively simple process, but it is important to follow the manufacturers instructions carefully.
Here are the steps involved in replacing a hanger bearing:
1. Remove the driveshaft from the vehicle.
2. Unbolt the old hanger bearing from the driveshaft.
3. Install the new hanger bearing on the driveshaft.
4. Tighten the bolts to the specified torque.
5. Reinstall the driveshaft in the vehicle.
Conclusion
Hanger bearings are an important part of the driveshaft, and they play a vital role in transmitting power from the engine to the wheels. By following the tips in this article, you can help to prevent hanger bearing failure and keep your vehicle running smoothly.