The function of the Drive Shaft is to transfer the engine torque from the gearbox or differential to the wheels. It must also compensate for all variations in angle or length resulting...
The function of the drive shaft is to transfer the engine torque from the gearbox or differential to the wheels. It must also compensate for all variations in angle or length resulting from manoeuvring and deflection for perfect synchronisation between joints.
Drive shafts for cars with front wheel drive consist of the outboard fixed joint, the inboard constant velocity joint and the connecting shaft. They also include elements such as the anti-lock system ring and the torsion damper. The basic design of the outboard fixed ball joint, the constant velocity joint, dates from the 1930s.
In most cases the inboard CVJ takes the form of a slip joint to allow the drive shaft to follow the movements of the wheel suspension. At the front axle (leading axle) the outboard joint must transfer the torque effectively through a large angle (up to 52 degrees). At the rear axle the angles of the outboard joints are considerably smaller.
Constant velocity drive shafts are exposed to maximum stress all the time that the vehicle is in operation. Alongside the extremely significant displacement angles and translational movement, the joints and bellows must be able to withstand temperatures of between minus 40 and plus 120 °C as well as speeds of up to 2800 rpm. In order to transmit the required torque in all engine speed and velocity ranges with reliable constancy (ideally throughout the entire service life of the vehicle), all components must be maintenance-free.