OBJECTIVES
After studying Chapter 15, the reader will be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
KEY TERMS
Cardan joints
Center support bearing
CV joint boot
CV joints
Double-Cardan joints
Drive axle shaft
Driveshaft
Fixed joint
Half shaft
Plunge joint
Propeller shaft
Rzeppa joint
Spider
Trunnions
Universal joints
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
FIGURE 153 Typical driveshaft (also called a propeller shaft). The drivershaft transfers
engine power from the transmission to the differential.
DRIVESHAFT DESIGN
DRIVESHAFT DESIGN
FIGURE 154 This driveshaft failed because it had a slight dent caused by a
rock. When engine torque was applied, the driveshaft collapsed, twisted,
and then broke.
Automotive Steering, Suspension and Alignment, 5/e
By James D. Halderman
DRIVESHAFT DESIGN
FIGURE 155 A center support bearing is used on many vehicles with long driveshafts.
Automotive Steering, Suspension and Alignment, 5/e
By James D. Halderman
10
DRIVESHAFT DESIGN
11
DRIVESHAFT BALANCE
12
DRIVESHAFT BALANCE
13
14
15
FIGURE 158 How the speed difference on the output of a typical U-joint varies with the speed and
the angle of the U-joint. At the bottom of the chart, the input speed is a constant 1000 RPM, while the
output speed varies from 900 RPM to 1100 RPM when the angle difference in the joint is only 10. At
the top part of the chart, the input speed is a constant 1000 RPM, yet the output speed varies from
700 to 1200 RPM when the angle difference in the joint is changed to 30. (Courtesy of Dana
Corporation)
Automotive Steering, Suspension and Alignment, 5/e
By James D. Halderman
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FIGURE 159 The joint angle is the difference between the angles of the joint.
(Courtesy of Dana Corporation)
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18
19
20
21
22
23
FIGURE 1513 A Rzeppa fixed joint. This type of CV joint is commonly used at
the wheel side of the drive axle shaft. This joint can operate at high angles to
compensate for suspension travel and steering angle changes. (Courtesy of
Dana Corporation)
Automotive Steering, Suspension and Alignment, 5/e
By James D. Halderman
24
FIGURE 1514 The protective CV joint boot has been torn away
on this vehicle and all of the grease has been thrown outward
onto the brake and suspension parts. The driver of this vehicle
noticed a clicking noise, especially when turning.
Automotive Steering, Suspension and Alignment, 5/e
By James D. Halderman
25
26
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FIGURE 1516 The fixed outer joint is required to move in all directions because the wheels must
turn for steering as well as move up and down during suspension movement. The inner joint has to
be able to not only move up and down but also plunge in and out as the suspension moves up and
down. (Courtesy of Dana Corporation)
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29
30
31
32
Tripod
Cross groove
Double offset
33
34
35
36
37
FIGURE 1522 Getting the correct boot kit or parts from the parts store is more difficult
on many Chrysler front-wheel-drive vehicles because Chrysler has used four different
manufacturers for its axle shaft assemblies. (Courtesy of Dana Corporation)
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39
SUMMARY
1.
2.
3.
40
SUMMARY
4.
5.
6.
Acceptable working angles for a Cardan-type Ujoint fall within 1/2 to 3 degrees. Some angle is
necessary to cause the roller bearings to rotate; a
working angle of greater than 3 degrees can lead
to driveline vibrations.
Constant velocity (CV) joints are used on all frontwheeldrive vehicles and many four-wheel-drive
vehicles to provide a smooth transmission of
torque to the drive wheels regardless of
angularity of the wheel or joint.
Outer or fixed CV joints commonly use a Rzeppa
design, while inner CV joints are the plunging or
tripod type.
41
REVIEW QUESTIONS
1.
2.
3.
42
CHAPTER QUIZ
1. The name most often used to describe the
universal joints on a conventional rear-wheeldrive vehicle driveshaft is ________.
a.
b.
c.
d.
Trunnion
Cardan
CV
Spider
43
CHAPTER QUIZ
2. A rear-wheel-drive vehicle shudders or vibrates
when first accelerating from a stop. The vibration
is less noticeable at higher speeds. The most
likely cause is ________.
a.
b.
c.
d.
Driveshaft unbalance
Excessive U-joint working angles
Unequal U-joint working angles
Brinelling of the U-joint
44
CHAPTER QUIZ
3. All driveshafts are balanced.
a.
b.
True
False
45
CHAPTER QUIZ
4. The maximum difference between the front and
rear working angle of a driveshaft is ________.
a.
b.
c.
d.
1/4 degree
1/2 degree
1 degree
3 degrees
46
CHAPTER QUIZ
5. Which series U-joint has the greatest torque
capacity?
a.
b.
c.
d.
1260
1310
1350
1480
47
CHAPTER QUIZ
6. Two technicians are discussing torque steer on a
front-wheel-drive vehicle. Technician A says that
equal length drive axle shafts help reduce torque
steer. Technician B says that equal drive axle
shaft angles help reduce torque steer. Which
technician is correct?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Technician A only
Technician B only
Both Technicians A and B
Neither Technician A nor B
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CHAPTER QUIZ
7. The outer CV joints used on front-wheel-drive
vehicles are ________.
a.
b.
Fixed type
Plunge type
49
CHAPTER QUIZ
8. The proper grease to use with a CV joint is
________.
a.
b.
c.
d.
50
CHAPTER QUIZ
9. Drive axle shafts are also called ________.
a.
b.
c.
d.
Double-Cardan shafts
Half shafts
Driveshafts
Propeller shafts
51
CHAPTER QUIZ
10. Two technicians are discussing a dented
driveshaft. Technician A says that it should be
repaired. Technician B says it should be replaced.
Which technician is correct?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Technician A only
Technician B only
Both Technicians A and B
Neither Technician A nor B
52