Tips to Detect Tie Rod Failure in a Volvo From Certified Technicians in Dallas

Posted on | 29 Feb 2020 By Anita Gaal

The tie rod is a part of the steering mechanism of a vehicle and consists of an inner and outer end. Its purpose is to supply force to the steering knuckle from the steering center link, which ultimately allows the wheel to turn. The outer end of the tie rod connects to a sleeve that allows for the length of the tie rod to be adjusted. This is used to set the angle of the vehicle’s alignment.

Because of the tie rod’s role in the steering and alignment, damage to or failure of this component can be quite serious and even pose a danger to your driving experience. It is also an essential component to the suspension system. As the tie rod wears, it can become loose and develop slack. This increases the difficulty with which you steer and handle your Volvo.

Protecting your vehicle against the failure of the tie rod is as easy as making sure you take your Volvo to get regular maintenance, as it can be checked along with a standard oil change. Still, if you’re beginning to notice some of the symptoms discussed in this article, you need to have your Volvo serviced by a licensed professional as soon as possible. An untreated failure of the tie rod can lead to further problems with your vehicle, such as excessive tire wear and further damage to the suspension system.

Signs of a Bad Tie Rod

One of the most common symptoms drivers notice with a bad tie rod is actually surprisingly similar to the feeling of a flat tire. You may notice your vehicle pulling to one side while driving. Again, this is because the tie rod is a component that directly controls the ease with which you steer. A damaged tie rod will create resistance or other difficulties where there normally is none, causing unnecessary and even alarming challenges in standard operation.

A bad tie rod will also inevitably lead to uneven tire wear, primarily because of its effect on the vehicle’s alignment. Recall that the outer end of the tie rod is the component adjusted during vehicle alignment. Even if you have recently had your wheels aligned, the damaged outer end may still slip out of place and cause problems once again. You may also experience vibrations or a general feeling of instability when operating your Volvo in addition to squeaking noises coming from the front of your vehicle. In the event of a complete failure of the tie rod, you may lose the ability to steer entirely.

Driving With a Bad Tie Rod

Depending on the extent of the damage, it is surely possible to drive a car with a bad tie rod. However, it is in no way a good idea to do so, if you can avoid it. The major source of concern for such a decision is the potential for loss of steering. This is extremely dangerous and can pose a risk to you, your passengers, and other drivers on the road.

If the damage is not quite that bad, it is still recommended that you don’t drive the vehicle any more than you absolutely have to (i.e., driving it to the auto shop) because continued operation of the vehicle will inevitably lead to further damages. All of the effects of a damaged tie rod are intertwined, so chances are, if you’re only seeing one of the aforementioned symptoms, you may start noticing the others quite soon. The sooner the repair, the less damage to other parts and components.

Get Your Volvo Repaired at Euro Automotive

At Euro Automotive, we understand the investment you made when you purchased your Volvo. That’s why, when you bring your Volvo into our shop, we promise to treat and repair it as if it were our own. Our mechanics specialize in European repair services and, as the number one auto shop in Dallas with 18 years of service under our belt, we are prepared to offer the best alternative to expensive dealership repairs at fair pricing with great customer service. Call us today to schedule an appointment or visit us at one of our locations in Dallas, Garland, Arlington, and Forth Worth, TX.

Reasons Behind Driveshaft Support Failure in Your Porsche

Posted on | 12 Feb 2020 By Anita Gaal

The driveshaft in your Porsche is a crucial piece of the drivetrain. The drivetrain’s function is to conduct the proper amount of rotation and torque that you need to utilize the power of your engine. The transmission turns the engine, and the drivetrain propels your Porsche. The driveshaft controls how you use that power.

The proper function of the drivetrain is not possible without the driveshaft or the driveshaft support. Porsches are well-known and well-loved for being some of the most powerful cars on the market, and this system is what gives it this high praise.

Below, you are going to learn all about the driveshaft support in your Porsche and why it could be failing. Anyone affected by driveshaft support failure will also get the tools they need to have this part repaired before driving becomes dangerous or even impossible.

What is the driveshaft support of a Porsche?

The driveshaft support of a Porsche refers to the center bearing mount that supports the CV (Constant Velocity) joint and the propshaft of your driveshaft. This support bearing allows the transmission to connect with the driveshaft and the shaft to connect with the wheels. Without it, your driving experience is bound to take a turn for the worse.

Causes of Driveshaft Support Failure

Driveshaft support failure happens for a few reasons, but the most common is due to the fact that the center bearing is made of rubber. Rubber is a soft material that wears down much more quickly than any part made of sturdy metal would. With time, the vibrations caused by the CV joint will ruin this bearing. In fact, that is why some companies will provide a replacement bearing made of metal instead. Rubber is unreliable, especially when used in a driveshaft system.

Other common causes of driveshaft failure include typical wear and tear. Almost every part in your Porsche or any car you own will have to be replaced/repaired at one point. Regular use wears down everything, no matter how much you take care of it. Eventually, your driveshaft support bearing will have to be replaced, though it should not have to be done very often.

Manufacturer error can also be a cause. Sometimes, even reputable companies make mistakes. Imperfect parts can slip by quality control checks, and this can be true of a driveshaft support bearing.

How to Recognize the Signs of Driveshaft Support Failure

Some issues that you face as a Porsche owner won’t be obvious until the problem gets out of hand. However, this is not the case when it comes to driveshaft support failure. When your driveshaft support fails, you will notice clunking, rattling, or whining noises coming from the car as you drive. This is never a good sign, and it’s almost impossible to ignore or overlook. If your Porsche is making these noises, it is vital that you see an automotive specialist immediately.

The Dangers of Delaying Driveshaft Support Repairs

Driveshaft support failure is a serious problem. If you continue to ignore the signs and hope that it resolves itself, you are in for a world of trouble. For one thing, driveshaft support failure can make it more difficult to steer properly while driving. In turn, that could cause a car accident. If you can’t swerve out of the way in time, the consequences could be disastrous. In the best case, your Porsche will need much more costly repairs.

Putting off seeing a technician could also damage other parts of your Porsche. When one system is broken, the others follow suit. Procrastinating on repairs for any car part or system creates a domino effect. When you are spending thousands of dollars on repairs, you’ll wish you had just come in sooner.

Where to Resolve Driveshaft Support Failure in a Porsche

If you are a Texas-based Porsche owner experiencing this issue, it’s important to take the next step and see a qualified team of automotive specialists. You can find the best technicians in Texas at Euro Automotive. If you need repairs now but don’t want to pay dealership prices, Euro Automotive is the perfect place to go. We care about your needs first and foremost. Anyone located in the following areas of Texas should make an appointment with the specialists at Euro Automotive today: Arlington, Dallas, Fort Worth, and Garland.