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CENTRAL OHIO'S DRIVELINE SERVICE EXPERTS

The driveline is the mechanical link between your transmission and your wheels, made up of driveshafts, U-joints, CV joints, and axles that keep power moving to the road without vibration or binding. When driveline components wear out, the symptoms are hard to ignore. Vibration at highway speed, clicking during turns, clunking under acceleration, or shuddering when you engage four-wheel drive are all signs that something needs attention. At Pickups Plus Cars, driveline service is part of our drivetrain services and broader engine work.

We've been working on trucks and SUVs for 25+ years, and driveline issues are some of the most commonly misdiagnosed problems we see. Vibration that gets blamed on tires or wheels is often a worn U-joint or an out-of-balance driveshaft. We inspect the driveline thoroughly before recommending any work, so you're not paying to fix the wrong thing. All work is quote-based after inspection at either of our two Central Ohio locations.

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OUR DRIVELINE SERVICES

We inspect, service, and repair driveshafts, U-joints, CV joints, and axles on trucks, SUVs, and cars across two-wheel, four-wheel, and all-wheel drive configurations.

Driveshaft Inspection & Repair

The driveshaft transfers power from the transmission to the rear axle on rear-wheel and four-wheel drive vehicles. Worn U-joints, imbalanced shafts, or damaged slip yokes cause vibration that typically increases with vehicle speed. We inspect driveshafts for wear, proper balance, and U-joint condition, and repair or replace components as needed. A driveshaft that fails completely can cause serious damage, so early inspection matters.

U-Joint Replacement

U-joints are the pivot points in the driveshaft that allow it to flex as the suspension moves. They wear out over time, particularly on trucks that tow, go off-road, or accumulate high mileage. A failing U-joint produces a clunking or squeaking noise during acceleration or deceleration, and eventually a vibration that gets progressively worse. We replace U-joints with properly rated components for your vehicle and use case.

CV Joint & Axle Shaft Service

CV joints are used on front-wheel and all-wheel drive axles where the driveline needs to flex significantly. A torn CV boot that goes unnoticed lets the grease out and allows contaminants in, accelerating joint wear. Clicking during tight turns is the most common sign of a failing CV joint. We replace CV boots when the joint is still serviceable, and replace the full axle shaft when the joint itself is worn.

Differential Inspection & Service

The differential allows the wheels to rotate at different speeds in turns and distributes power between them. We inspect differential fluid for contamination and metal particles that indicate internal wear, check for leaks at the seals and gaskets, and service or repair differentials across front, rear, and transfer case applications. Differential fluid is one of the most overlooked maintenance items on trucks and SUVs.

YOU NEED DRIVELINE SERVICE IF:

  • You feel vibration that increases with speed and wasn't resolved by tire balancing
  • You hear clunking or clicking when accelerating, decelerating, or turning
  • You notice shuddering when engaging four-wheel drive
  • You have a fluid leak near the differential housing or axle seals
  • Your driveline hasn't been inspected in over 50,000 miles or you tow and haul regularly
TALK TO OUR EXPERTS

COMMON DRIVELINE QUESTIONS

  • What's the difference between the driveline and the drivetrain?

    The drivetrain is the full system that transfers power from the engine to the wheels, including the transmission, driveshafts, differentials, and axles. The driveline is a subset of that system: specifically the components that link the transmission output to the drive axles, including driveshafts, U-joints, CV joints, and axle shafts. In practice the terms are often used interchangeably, but driveline work typically refers to the shafts, joints, and axles rather than the transmission itself.
  • Is a vibration at highway speed always a driveline problem?

    Not always. Vibration at highway speed can come from unbalanced tires, worn wheel bearings, brake rotor issues, or driveline problems. The pattern matters: vibration that increases steadily with speed often points to tires or a driveshaft. A vibration that only appears at specific speeds can indicate a resonance issue. A clunk or shudder that happens specifically during acceleration or deceleration is more likely driveline. We diagnose the cause before recommending any repair.
  • How often should I have my driveline inspected?

    For most vehicles, a driveline inspection every 30,000 to 50,000 miles is a reasonable interval. Vehicles that tow, go off-road, or operate in conditions with a lot of water, mud, or debris should be inspected more frequently because these conditions accelerate wear on U-joints, CV joints, and axle seals. If you're noticing any vibration, noise, or handling changes, don't wait for a scheduled interval.
  • Can I grease my own U-joints?

    Some U-joints have grease fittings and can be greased as part of regular maintenance. However, many modern U-joints are sealed and not serviceable. Using the wrong grease type or over-greasing can cause its own problems. More importantly, greasing a worn U-joint doesn't fix the underlying wear. It's worth having driveline components inspected professionally at regular intervals so you know whether something needs service or replacement, not just lubrication.
  • My CV joint is clicking. How urgent is it to get it fixed?

    More urgent than most people treat it. A clicking CV joint is typically in the early stages of failure, and at that point, replacing the CV boot and repacking the grease can sometimes extend the joint's life. If the clicking gets louder or starts happening at lower speeds, the joint itself is failing and needs to be replaced. A CV joint that fails completely can leave you stranded and, in some cases, cause damage to surrounding components. Don't wait on this one.

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Reviews

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Frank Buoni profile picture
Frank Buoni
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Very helpful and professional service. I would definitely recommend them!
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Jeff Hollenbach profile picture
Jeff Hollenbach
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Great listeners and understand the big picture of my vision. Good advice and follow through with timing. Work to help find the components to complete the project at good value without sacrificing quality. I still have several mods scheduled for installation but thought I'd share the process this far.
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Jeanne Karbowski profile picture
Jeanne Karbowski
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Fantastic service and they went above and beyond my expectations!! Highly recommend
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John Deane profile picture
John Deane
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Exceptional service and customer focus. Tailored to the situation and requested timing. Very impressed. Glad to come back for a new product 13 years later!
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Matt Ballreich profile picture
Matt Ballreich
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Had a hitch put on my vehicle and they did a great job! Very courteous and professional from start to finish! Also, reasonable pricing for the work! Would definitely recommend this shop for hitch service!
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ROBB BECK profile picture
ROBB BECK
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Good honest people that knows their products.
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Jim Carter profile picture
Jim Carter
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The people at the store were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. I dropped off my truck and it was done In less time than advertised, which was great. I’m extremely happy with the product and the service.
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Ed Greaker profile picture
Ed Greaker
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Got a spray in bed liner done here and scheduling and process was super easy there was a small section that was torn after install and after they took a look they had me bring back in right away to fix it and even said if they needed to take the bed cover off that they'd handle everything. Friendly service and made sure everything was right.
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charles harger profile picture
charles harger
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Jeff and Dan did a great job on my truck and I’m very happy with the new leer cap!
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Ryan Moore profile picture
Ryan Moore
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Great service & detail, will use again!
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