In what state is the drive shaft bellows?

drive shaft bellows

The shield is an essential element of the transmission of our car. It is one of the last pieces they wear the movement of the engine to the wheels. Therefore, if the drive shaft or a bellows is in poor condition, it can directly affect the vehicle's dynamics and even leave us stranded.

The bellows are the rubber caps that normally cover the ends of the bearing. The inside of a bellows is filled with fat, to facilitate the movement of the piece inside. For example, at the end that goes to the wheel is attached the CV joint. a piece that requires a lot of lubrication to transmit the rotation of the shaft to the wheel, even in the different positions that it adopts with the direction and the suspension.

Damaged bearing bellows

Over time, it is common for drive shaft bellows to crack. The continuous movements that it has to endure, the changes in temperature and the simple degradation of the rubber end up deteriorating them. However, it can also be broken prematurely, for example by a stone hit.

Once the bellows has broken, what happens is that the fat inside it comes out. Therefore, the most normal thing is that let's see a stain on the rim of our car, in the wheel arch or in the areas near the drive shaft. If not detected in time, the damage can be much greater than that of a simple piece of rubber.

In any case, even if they have not cracked or broken, it is recommended that check if they are still tight in place. The clamps It has to be strongly fixed. Take a moment to check both the small and the large. This way you will ensure that everything will continue in its place, at least for a while longer.

A shield with its bellows

How much does it cost to replace a bellows

Without the necessary grease, CV joint or cardan lose their lubrication. If it runs like this for too long it will wear down to such an extent that it will need to be replaced or even change the entire bearing. Typically, when this happens you will hear a rattling noise or a 'clack clack clack'.

In any case, if the fault has not reached these extremes, the price is not very high. If you do not have mechanical knowledge and the right tools you will have to take the car to the workshop to replace the bellows. The part itself is very cheap. Between 5 and 10 if purchased alone or between 20 and 30 euros if purchased with lubricant and other components. What will really raise the bill is the workmanship of a professional.

If we do not replace the bellows, over time it is most likely that we will have to replace the complete bearing or at least one of its most important pieces. In this case the price is much higher. For this reason it is important to keep the maintenance of our car up to date since, long-term, we will save money. The typical periodic revisions are not only for change the oil y The filters. They also serve to check that there are no other problems, including those that may worsen over time.

CV joint by balls
Related article:
Trolley joint Does it exist? What is? Does my car have it?

Parts of a bellows

As such, a bellows is just a tapered piece of rubber with a accordion fold. However, for its correct placement it also includes some clamps to fix it in its wide part and in its narrow part. Without them, the grease would inevitably leak out, leaving the parts inside without lubricant.

The bellows can be purchased separately, although if parts such as the CV joint are to be replaced, everything is usually included: board, bellows, clamps, lubricant (which is normally valvulin) and screws. The lubricant must be long lasting grease especially viscous. Otherwise the grease would not stay between the parts it needs to lubricate. Although if you buy a kit you won't have to worry about that.


Rate your car for free in 1 minute ➜

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked with *

*

*

  1. Responsible for the data: Miguel Ángel Gatón
  2. Purpose of the data: Control SPAM, comment management.
  3. Legitimation: Your consent
  4. Communication of the data: The data will not be communicated to third parties except by legal obligation.
  5. Data storage: Database hosted by Occentus Networks (EU)
  6. Rights: At any time you can limit, recover and delete your information.