Things to Know About Repairing Your Car’s Balance Shaft

Purchasing a vehicle is a big investment. There are many factors to consider to ensure you’re able to make the best of your purchase. Those include understanding the ins and outs of your potential vehicle. This is especially important for German manufactured vehicles.

German manufactured cars like the Mercedes-Benz are revered for optimal performance and superlative design. Although these cars are the epitome of true luxury, many unfortunately suffer from similar issues. One of the major malfunctions has to do with the shaft gear. Unfortunately, it is most common in German manufactured vehicles due to their unique engine.

What Role Does the Balance Shaft Play?

The shaft gear is responsible for balancing the vehicle’s engine to reduce excessive vibrations when shifting gears. If you’ve ever driven older cars, that initial shake can be attributed to a faulty shaft gear. Keeping that balance is essential to the function of your car because it makes it easier to drive.

Usually around the 50,000-mile service is when your shaft gear needs to be checked. This is normally around the time the shaft gear starts to exhibit issues from general wear and tear. It is important to ask your specialist to check this part to make sure it’s operating correctly.

Damage to this part could also mean a decrease in performance. Since German and European vehicles are known for their smooth, speedy drive, a damaged shaft could decrease your vehicle’s ability to operate at its highest potential. When your shaft is broken, it makes accelerating extremely difficult. Often times, it blocks your ability to reach high speeds. Because of this, making sure your shaft operates properly is vital for the overall health of your car.

How to Know When Your Car’s Balance Shaft is Damaged

When your “check engine light” flashes, it could mean a variety of things. Such include a damaged shaft. Other symptoms you may notice if the balance shaft is degrading are rough idling, stalling, misfires, or odd noises. Any time you suspect any of the above issues, it’s best to get your balance shaft looked at by an expert to prevent engine damage.

In addition, if your vehicle is reaching the 100,000-mile mark, it’s best to get your shaft checked out for any issues due to wear and tear. When you drive your car a lot, internal parts can easily suffer from debris, leaks, or overheating.

How to Care for this Part

It’s vital to understand how to care for your vehicle’s balance shaft so as to avoid possible engine damage. If your shaft needs immediate replacement, it’s best to find a trusted auto shop and purchase a new piece. Since this repair is rather costly, check with your dealership to see if your car is under warranty. If the camshaft falls under the warranty that came with the car, you could be saving yourself thousands of dollars in repairs.

Keep Your Car Well-Maintained

In addition, it’s important to consider how you are driving so as to maintain the health of your car. If you find yourself switching gears abruptly, misfiring on purpose, or allowing your car to get overheated, you’re inviting shaft issues. Make sure you keep your car serviced regularly so you can be aware of any potential problems.

How the Professionals Can Help

When purchasing a European vehicle, or any for that matter, you want to have a solid understanding of what could potentially go wrong and how to find a solution. Protect your investment by learning about each challenge and developing a strategic plan of action.

As part of developing your strategic plan of action, you need to find a reliable auto shop that you can trust. Especially one that is familiar with European vehicles. When you need your balance shaft repaired, trust the mechanics at Import Motorworx. We proudly service the Lawndale, Culver City, West Los Angeles, and South Bay, CA regions. You’ll never have to worry about hidden fees, missed repairs, or complex answers, because we value our customers and communicate all your options before moving forward. We’re dedicated to making sure you have the best automotive experience. If you’re dealing with issues, bring your car into the experts. We’ll have your car up and running in no time.