7 Telltale Symptoms of a Bad Universal Joint

This article was updated in November 19, 2025 with new products and information by Mark S. Taylor

Hey there! Ever heard a weird clunk under your car? That sound might be a bad u-joint. A bad u-joint can leave you stuck on the road. It can cost a lot to fix if you wait too long. In this guide, I’ll show you the top symptoms of a bad universal joint. I’ll teach you how to check it yourself. And I’ll tell you what it costs to fix. Let’s get started so you don’t get stranded!

What Is a U-Joint and Why It Matters

A u-joint is a small part with a big job. It helps power move from your engine to your wheels. Think of it like a joint in your body. It lets parts bend while still turning. Most cars with rear-wheel drive have them. So do trucks and some SUVs. I’ve seen these joints fail in all kinds of cars. From old pickups to new SUVs. They all need the same care.

How U-Joints Work in Your Car

U-joints look like a small cross with caps on each end. Inside these caps are tiny bearings. These bearings let the joint move in many ways. When you press the gas, power goes through the u-joint. It turns your driveshaft. This makes your wheels move. It’s a simple but smart design. It has worked in cars for over 100 years.

Types of U-Joints in Cars Today

There are two main types of u-joints you’ll find:

1. Greaseable u-joints: These have a small hole. You can add grease to them. This helps them last longer.
2. Sealed u-joints: These come with grease inside. You can’t add more. When they wear out, you must replace them.

I always tell my customers to check what type they have. It makes a big difference in how you care for them.

Why U-Joints Fail

U-joints fail for a few reasons:

• Normal wear: They get old and worn out over time.
• No grease: The bearings dry out and get hot.
• Too much power: Heavy loads or fast driving can break them.
• Rust: Water and salt can eat away at the metal.

Most u-joints last about 100,000 miles. But I’ve seen some fail at 50,000. Others last past 200,000 miles. It all depends on how you drive and care for them.

7 Signs Your U-Joint Is Going Bad

If you notice any of these signs, check your u-joints soon. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

1. Clunking or Squeaking Sounds

The first sign of a bad u-joint is noise. You might hear a clunk when you shift gears. Or a squeak when you start to move. These sounds mean the bearings are worn out. They don’t have enough grease.

I once had a customer who heard a small squeak for weeks. He thought it was just his old car. Then one day, the u-joint failed on the highway. He had to pay for a tow and a big repair. Don’t make his mistake!

2. Shaking That Gets Worse with Speed

A bad u-joint often makes your car shake. The shaking gets worse as you go faster. You might feel it in your seat or the floor. It starts mild around 30 mph. Then it gets bad at highway speeds.

This happens because the joint can’t spin smoothly anymore. The driveshaft starts to wobble as it turns fast. Many people think this is a tire problem. But if new tires don’t fix it, check your u-joints.

3. Grease Marks Near the Joint

Look under your car. Do you see grease spots? This is a clear sign of trouble. It means the seal on the u-joint broke. Grease can get out. Dirt and water can get in.

I found this on my own truck last year. I saw small grease spots in my driveway. I checked the u-joint and saw the seal was broken. I fixed it right away. It saved me from a bigger problem later.

4. Hard to Turn or Poor Steering

When u-joints go bad, your car might not steer well. You might feel it fight you when you turn. This is worse on tight turns. The worn joint doesn’t let the driveshaft move smoothly.

This problem is very clear in 4WD trucks. They have many u-joints. When one starts to fail, you feel it right away when you turn.

5. Shudder When You Speed Up

Does your car shudder when you press the gas? This can be a bad u-joint. The shudder happens most when you start from a stop. Or when you speed up fast to get on the highway.

This happens because the joint can’t send power smoothly. The power goes in fits and starts. Many people think this is a transmission problem. But often, it’s just a bad u-joint.

6. Rust on or Near the Joint

Check your u-joints for rust. Rust means water got inside the joint. This will make the bearings fail fast. Rust is very common in places with snow. The salt they put on roads eats at the metal.

I live in a cold state. I see rusted u-joints all the time. Cars that see a lot of winter weather often need new u-joints sooner.

7. Play in the Driveshaft

You can check this yourself. With the car safely lifted, try to move the driveshaft. It should not move much. If it moves a lot, your u-joint is bad.

Be very careful if you try this test. Use proper jack stands. Make sure the car won’t roll. If you’re not sure what you’re doing, ask a mechanic to check it for you.

How to Check Your U-Joints at Home

You can check your u-joints with basic tools. Here’s how I do it in my shop.

Look at the U-Joints

First, just look at them. Park on flat ground. Use a jack to lift the front of the car. Put it on jack stands. Get under the car with a flashlight. Look for:

• Rust dust around the joint
• Grease leaks
• Cracks in the metal
• Loose caps

If you see any of these signs, your u-joint might be bad.

Test for Movement

With the car in park, try to move the driveshaft. First, try to turn it. It should not move much. Then, try to move it up and down. Again, it should not move much.

If you can move the driveshaft easily, the u-joint is worn out. You’ll need to replace it soon.

When to See a Pro

Sometimes you need a mechanic. See one if you:

• Hear any of the sounds I mentioned
• Feel shaking when you drive
• Don’t know how to check safely
• Want a full check of your drivetrain

A good mechanic can find problems you might miss. They have special tools and training. It’s worth the cost to avoid a breakdown.

What Happens If You Don’t Fix a Bad U-Joint?

Ignoring a bad u-joint is a bad idea. It can lead to big problems.

The U-Joint Can Break

A very worn u-joint can break while you’re driving. This makes the driveshaft fall down. You can lose control of your car. The driveshaft can hit the road. This can cause a crash.

I once saw a truck lose its driveshaft on the highway. It hit the car behind it. Both cars were badly damaged. Don’t let this happen to you.

Other Parts Can Break

A bad u-joint can harm other parts too. It can damage:

• The part of the transmission that connects to the driveshaft
• The part of the rear axle that connects to the driveshaft
• The driveshaft itself
• The mounts that hold these parts in place

The shaking from a bad u-joint can loosen bolts. This can cause even more problems.

It’s Not Safe to Drive

A bad u-joint makes your car unsafe. You could:

• Lose control if the driveshaft falls
• Cause a crash if the driveshaft hits the road
• Get stuck in a bad place
• Have your car roll away if the parking brake fails

Your safety is worth more than the cost of a repair. Don’t drive with a bad u-joint.

U-Joint Replacement: Costs and Options

When you need to replace a u-joint, you have choices. Here’s what you need to know.

DIY vs. Pro Repair

Doing it yourself:

• Parts cost: $30-$100 for each u-joint
• Tools needed: Basic tools, maybe a press
• Time: 2-4 hours if you know what you’re doing
• Think about: You need to know what you’re doing. You need to be safe.

Pro repair:

• Cost: $200-$500 for each u-joint
• Time: Usually done in one day
• Think about: Comes with a warranty. A pro does the work.

I tell my customers: if you’re not sure, let a pro do it. It’s worth the cost to stay safe.

Cost by Car Type

U-joint costs vary by car type:

Car Type	Parts Cost	Labor Cost	Total Cost
Small Car	$30-$70	$150-$300	$180-$370
Truck/SUV	$40-$100	$200-$400	$240-$500
Sports Car	$60-$150	$250-$500	$310-$650

These costs can change based on where you live. The exact car matters too. So does the shop you choose.

Picking the Right U-Joint

When you need a new u-joint, think about:

1. Quality: Good brands last longer. They cost more but save money later.
2. Type: Get greaseable ones if you want to do upkeep.
3. Use: Heavy trucks need stronger u-joints.
4. Brand: Brands like Moog, Spicer, and Timken work well.

Ask your mechanic or parts store what’s best for your car. Tell them how you drive. This helps them pick the right part.

How to Make Your U-Joints Last Longer

With good care, your u-joints can last a long time. Here’s how I keep mine in good shape.

Regular Care

Follow these tips to keep your u-joints working:

1. Add grease: Put new grease in greaseable u-joints every 15,000 miles.
2. Check them often: Look at your u-joints when you get oil changes.
3. Listen for sounds: New noises mean you should check soon.
4. Look for leaks: Check for grease when you wash your car.

These simple steps help find problems early. This saves you money later.

Early Signs to Watch For

Pay attention to these early warnings:

• Small shake at highway speeds
• Little clunk when you shift gears
• Squeak when you start to move
• Tiny grease spots where you park

Fixing these small problems now prevents big ones later.

Best Ways to Make U-Joints Last

To help your u-joints last as long as possible:

1. Drive easy: Don’t race from stop lights. This stresses u-joints.
2. Don’t carry too much: Stay under your car’s weight limits.
3. Fix shakes fast: A small shake can become a big problem.
4. Keep them clean: Wash off road salt and dirt often.

Following these tips helps your u-joints last longer. It saves you money and keeps you safe.

Frequently Asked About: Symptoms of a Bad Universal Joint

How to know if universal joints are bad?

You can spot bad universal joints by looking for clear signs. First, listen for odd sounds when you drive. A clunk or squeak can mean trouble. Next, feel for shakes in your car. Bad u-joints often make the car vibrate. Look for grease leaks near the joints too. Rust on the joints is another bad sign. If your car shudders when you speed up, check the u-joints. A bad u-joint can make your car hard to steer. The car might also jerk when you shift gears. If you see these signs, get your u-joints checked soon.

Which of the following is usually the first symptom of a defective u-joint?

Noise is often the first sign of a bad u-joint. You might hear a light squeak at first. This sound happens when you start to move or turn. Many drivers notice this sound before other symptoms appear. The squeak comes from dry bearings in the joint. As the problem gets worse, the sound changes to a clunk. This happens when you shift gears or speed up. But the first sign is usually that small squeak. If you hear this sound, check your u-joints right away.

What does a bad uni joint sound like?

A bad universal joint makes different sounds as it gets worse. At first, you might hear a light squeak. This sound happens when you start to move. As the joint wears more, you might hear a chirping sound. This gets louder when you speed up. A very bad u-joint makes a loud clunk. This happens when you shift gears or change speed. Some people say it sounds like metal hitting metal. If you hear these sounds, your u-joint needs help soon.

How can a universal joint be checked for wear?

You can check your universal joints in a few ways. First, look at them for rust or grease leaks. Then, with the car on stands, try to move the driveshaft. It should not move much. If it moves a lot, the joint is worn. You can also check for sounds. Have someone shift gears while you listen. A clunk means the joint is bad. Some mechanics use a tool to measure the play in the joint. If you’re not sure how to check, ask a pro to help.

What’s the difference between a u-joint and a CV joint?

U-joints and CV joints both help move power in cars. But they work in different ways. A u-joint is a simple cross shape. It lets parts move up and down. You find u-joints in driveshafts of trucks and rear-wheel cars. A CV joint is more complex. It can move in more ways. You find CV joints in front-wheel cars. They allow wheels to turn and move up and down. CV joints cost more but last longer in most cases.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait on These Signs

Key Signs to Remember

• Clunk or squeak when you shift or speed up
• Shake that gets worse as you drive faster
• Grease spots near the u-joint
• Hard to turn or steering feels weird
• Shudder when you press the gas
• Rust on or near the joint
• Too much play in the driveshaft

When to Act Fast

Get help right away if you notice:

• Loud clunk when you shift gears
• Bad shake at highway speeds
• Clear damage to the u-joint
• Trouble controlling your car

Remember, fixing u-joint problems early saves money. It keeps you safe too. Don’t wait until you’re stuck on the road. Get it checked as soon as you notice a problem.

Quick Summary

• U-joints connect your driveshaft to your engine and wheels.
• Key signs of a bad u-joint include noise, shake, grease leaks, and steering problems.
• Regular checks help find problems early and prevent big failures.
• U-joint replacement costs $180-$650, depending on your car and who does the work.
• Fixing u-joint problems early stops more damage to other parts.
• Most u-joints last 100,000-150,000 miles with good care.
• If you think you have a u-joint problem, get it checked right away to stay safe.