Drivers
Drivers should:
- engage and disengage the clutch smoothly and gradually, especially when starting or changing gear under heavy load, eg when driving uphill
- avoid abrupt use of the clutch, as this places higher loads on the driveline, which may cause damage to the driveshaft, or in extreme cases, may lead to immediate driveshaft failure
- be alert to any unusual vibration (eg on the gearshifting lever) that may indicate a problem with the driveshaft. Other signs include knocking sounds when starting the vehicle, and/or during gear changes. If vibration or knocking increases, the driveshaft may be about to fail - you must immediately slow down, stop the vehicle, and check the driveshaft.
If driveshaft failure occurs at high vehicle speed, the risk of harming other road users increases significantly.
Transport operators
Operators should ensure:
- that driveshafts are maintained and checked regularly
- that this maintenance work is carried out according to the manufacturer's written instructions. Note: industry experience has indicated that, in some cases, you need to lubricate and check driveshafts more frequently than specified by the manufacturer.
Maintenance workshops and mechanics
Maintenance workshops and mechanics should:
- check and maintain the driveshaft according to the manufacturer's instructions. The instructions are likely to include the following directions:
- 'Purge-lubricate' with specified lubricant: greasing must be continued until the fresh lubricant is discharged from all 'outlets' of the lubricated component.
- Ensure that the pressure is not too high as excessive pressure can damage or blow out the seals of universal joints, which in turn will lead to reduced component life.
- check the condition (damage, wear, deterioration, excessive play) of all components
- check that all bolts and nuts are present and properly tightened
- check that the bearing cups of the universal joints are correctly positioned, secure, and not able to rotate.
By repairers
Workshops and mechanics that repair driveshafts or carry out repairs where the driveshaft is partially or fully removed from the vehicle must follow the manufacturer's repair instructions. Instructions are likely to include the following directions:
- Thoroughly clean components that are allowed to be re-used. Inspect (replacing if necessary) and lubricate these before re-assembly. Components that are required to be replaced once disassembled must be replaced even if they appear to be in good condition. These components may include bolts, nuts, locking tabs, the straps of universal joints, etc.
- Phase the universal joints as prescribed by the manufacturer.
- Properly tighten all bolts and nuts.
- Use locking devices as specified by the manufacturer.
Certifiers
Heavy vehicle specialist certifiers should ensure that the requirements, which are in force in respect of driveshaft modifications, are complied with. See more information.
By vehicle inspectors
Certificate of fitness (CoF) inspections include detailed inspection requirements for driveshafts. CoF inspectors should check the condition of driveshafts and their components according to the updated requirements.
