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Jinxtv · 05-31-2020, 01:35 PM

Hi All, I am broken down by the side of the road in Palmdale, CA and trying to call somewhere...two place, mobile RV repair, SOMETHING and not having good luck finding anyone to tow me OR get me back on the road. (I'm actually about 4 miles from today's destination.)

I've never broken down before in any type of vehicle, so not really sure what I'm doing, but I took a picture of what is dragging underneath in hopes someone can help me identify it so I have a better understanding of the problem.

I was driving down the road, stopped at a light, and when I started back up there was this awful racket and my rig didn't really want to go forward any more, but I persisted through the intersection to park safely on the side of the road just ahead.

Any help/advice is most appreciated.

Xmcdog · 05-31-2020, 01:42 PM

Your rear u joint on the driveshaft has broken. Easy fix for a mechanic. Hopefully you haven't damaged or bent the shaft.

Unusual for it to break like that without some warnings, vibration etc.

Mr Lars · 05-31-2020, 01:42 PM

That is your driveshaft, will need a tow into town.
Any repair shop that works on medium duty trucks, or even pickups should be able to handle the repair

Xmcdog · 05-31-2020, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Lars

That is your driveshaft, will need a tow into town.
Any repair shop that works on medium duty trucks, or even pickups should be able to handle the repair

Thank you. I was about to mention the tow.

Jinxtv · 05-31-2020, 01:47 PM

Easy fix, that is music to my ears. Because today is Sunday, I am having a tough time finding anything open. Do you think if I find a place to tow me to an Elks Lodge (where I was headed) that I could find someone to come there to fix it, or is it more if a "need to be at the shop" thing?

About the vibration, I might have had that and not realized that's what it was. I'm really new to driving and still not clear on what's normal and what isnt. ��*♀️

96 Wideglide · 05-31-2020, 01:49 PM

You got the last few feet out of that U-joint getting thru that intersection.

Don't go for more! Unless your on a hill, your not going anywhere till that U-joint, and possibly driveshaft, is replaced

!

96 Wideglide · 05-31-2020, 01:50 PM

The vibration was the U-joint self destructing.

Jinxtv · 05-31-2020, 01:56 PM

Well, this is an embarrassing question, but when I drive it I have had vibration sort of off and on every time. Do you think that's why? I think this is the ninth time I've driven it since I got it six months ago.

Mr Lars · 05-31-2020, 01:57 PM

As you need a tow, don’t bother going the Elks parking lot, depending what might be needed for repair you don’t want two tow charges, have the tow company take the rig straight to a repair establishment.

Mr Lars · 05-31-2020, 01:59 PM

When was the last time the chassis was greased? It may be the u-joint failed to due lack of maintenance.

Jinxtv · 05-31-2020, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Lars

When was the last time the chassis was greased? It may be the u-joint failed to due lack of maintenance.

An excellent question. Definitely not in the last six months. Is that something one would normally do themselves or take in somewhere?

Also, I am a bit flummoxed about having it towed to a repair place as I can't reach any today!

Xmcdog · 05-31-2020, 02:09 PM

Call AAA or whoever your auto club is. The tow truck driver should know of several nearby shops. May even be from one. They are used to addition work appearing on their doorstep over the weekend.

Good luck.

rgvtexan · 05-31-2020, 02:09 PM

Do you have a car? If so I would drive to town and look for a mechanic or truck repair.

Mr Lars · 05-31-2020, 02:12 PM

Your gonna have to trust the tow driver, or if a police patrol stops by, they may have a referral. As for the maintenance issue, thats another trust issue. If you are handy and confident you can do most if not all maintenance yourself. Trusting a shop to do it is another matter.