Is Your Car Shaking? It Might Be the Driveshafts or CV Joints

Few things are more unnerving than feeling your car shake while driving. Whether it's a mild vibration or a serious shudder, a shaking vehicle is often a sign that something is wrong. While it might be tempting to brush it off, persistent vibrations can point to issues with your driveshafts Melbourne, tailshafts, CV joints, or even related components like the CV boots or power steering pump.

Knowing what to look for can help you catch problems early—before they become expensive repairs or safety risks.

Understanding Driveshafts and CV Joints

Before diving into symptoms, it helps to understand what these components do.

• Driveshafts are rotating shafts that transmit torque from your engine and transmission to your wheels. They play a key role in your car’s ability to move, especially in rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive vehicles.

• CV joints (Constant Velocity joints) are used primarily in front-wheel-drive and some all-wheel-drive cars. They allow the driveshaft to transmit power at a constant speed while accommodating the up-and-down motion of the suspension and the turning motion of the wheels.

• CV boots are rubber coverings that protect the CV joints from dirt, moisture, and debris while holding the grease that lubricates the joint.

When any of these components start to fail, shaking and vibrations can quickly follow.

Common Causes of Car Shaking

So, what might be making your car vibrate or shake? Here are some of the most likely driveline-related causes:

1. Worn CV Joints

One of the most common culprits behind vibration while driving—especially during acceleration—is a worn or failing CV joint. You may also notice a clicking noise when turning, which is another classic symptom.

When CV joints start to fail, they can’t transfer power smoothly, causing uneven motion in the wheels, which you feel as vibration through the steering wheel or floor.

2. Damaged or Leaking CV Boots

If your  CV boots Melbourne are cracked or split, they’ll leak grease and expose the joint to dirt and moisture. Over time, this leads to accelerated wear of the joint itself. In many cases, by the time the joint starts shaking or making noise, the boot has been damaged for a while.

Checking for visible grease splatter near your wheel arch or tyre is a quick way to spot boot damage early.

3. Bent or Unbalanced Driveshafts

A bent or unbalanced driveshaft can cause a range of symptoms, including shaking, knocking, or clunking noises—especially as speed increases. Even slight damage from hitting a kerb, pothole, or road debris can throw the driveshaft off balance.

These vibrations typically increase with vehicle speed and may worsen during acceleration.

4. Worn Universal Joints (U-Joints)

In rear-wheel or all-wheel-drive vehicles, worn U-joints (which connect the driveshaft to the transmission or differential) can cause serious vibrations. Left unchecked, they can eventually fail completely, leading to a loss of drive.

5. Steering Issues Masking Driveline Problems

Sometimes the cause of the shake may be misdiagnosed as a steering problem—especially if symptoms occur when turning. While a faulty power steering pump can cause noise or resistance, it won’t usually cause vibration. If you're experiencing shaking along with poor handling or pulling to one side, it's a good idea to have both your steering and driveline systems checked.

What You Can Do

If your car is shaking and you're not sure why, here are a few steps you can take:

• Get a visual inspection of your CV boots—if they’re torn or leaking, it’s time to act.

• Pay attention to when the vibration happens—during acceleration, braking, or turning?

• Listen for other noises like clicking, clunking, or knocking. These are valuable clues.

• Book a driveline inspection with a qualified technician who can check the driveshafts, CV joints, and related parts.

Prevention Is Better Than Repair

While some wear and tear is inevitable over time, many driveline issues can be prevented or caught early through regular maintenance:

• Service your vehicle regularly, especially if you drive in rough conditions or carry heavy loads.

• Have your mechanic check the CV boots and joints during each service.

• Avoid aggressive driving, which puts extra strain on joints and shafts.

• Replace CV boots immediately if damaged—this can save you from having to replace the entire joint later.

Final Thoughts

Shaking while driving isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s a warning sign. Ignoring it could lead to major driveline damage, safety risks, and costly repairs. If your vehicle is vibrating, especially during acceleration or turning, it may be time to inspect your driveshafts, CV joints Melbourne, tailshafts and CV boots.

Experiencing any of these symptoms? Let our experts take a look. For reliable inspection, repair, and replacement of driveline components, contact A1 Drive Shafts today. We’ll get you back on the road with confidence.