Worn-out bearing diagnosis doubtful
Lack of vibration, noise an indicator
DEAR CAR TALK: I have a 2004 Saturn Vue. Recently I took it in for new tires. While my car was on the lift, it was discovered to have a totally worn-out middriveshaft bearing. There was a 1/2-inch gap of play around it. I wondered how it could be so worn out and not be creating side effects, like noise. When I asked the service manager if the shaft turns all the time, he replied, ”Yes.” But now I have had time to analyze it a bit myself, and I think since it is an allwheel-drive car, the shaft turns only when it goes into all-wheeldrive mode. For me, that is almost never. Can you tell me the true story on this? — Douglas
I believe your Vue’s driveshaft turns all the time, Douglas. All-wheeldrive vehicles work in different ways, but I believe the Vue sends power to all of the wheels all of the time.
The bearing for that driveshaft lives inside a rubber housing. So it’s designed to be able to flex a little bit. But if it’s truly worn out, as the mechanic says, you’d feel a wicked vibration at high speeds.
Do you ever drive at high speeds, Douglas? I wouldn’t blame you if you refused to in this car. But next time you do, see if you lose any fillings. Because a wornout driveshaft bearing would rattle the car very noticeably at highway speeds.
If you don’t notice a vibration at high speeds, then you probably don’t need to do anything.
Maybe the mechanic mistook the built-in flex for a worn-out bearing — a half-inch is probably about right. Or maybe it really is wearing out but isn’t bad enough to replace yet.
Or perhaps the guy just had a boat payment due that week.
But if it makes you feel better, get a second opinion. Hopefully it’ll be something besides “… and your car is ugly, too.” Good luck, Douglas.