4C–26
DRIVE SHAFT SYSTEM
Torque is transmitted from the transmission to the axle
through propeller shaft and universal joint assembles.
All propeller shafts are the balanced tubular type. A
splined slip joint is provided in some drivelines.
• Since the propeller shaft is total balanced carefully,
welding or any other modification are not permitted.
• Alignment marks should be applied to each propeller
shaft before removal.
• Be sure vehicle is stopped, engine is not running,
brake is secured and vehicle is secured to prevent
injury.
• Be careful not to grip the propeller shaft tube too
tightly in the bise as this will be cause deformation.
Phasing
The propeller shaft is designed and built with the yoke
lugs (ears) in line with each other. This design produces
the smoothest running shaft possible, called phasing.
Vibration can be caused by an out-of-phase propeller
shaft. The propeller shaft will absorb vibrations from
speeding up and slowing down each time the universal
joint goes around. This vibration would be the same as
a person snapping rope and watching the "wave"
reaction flow to the end. A propeller shaft working in
phase would be similar to two persons snapping a rope
at the same time, and watching the "waves" meet and
cancel each other out. In comparison, this would be the
same as the universal joints on a propeller shaft. A total
cancellation of vibration produces a smooth flow of
power in the driveline. It is very important to apply a
reference mark to the propeller shaft before removal, to
assure installation alignment.
Universal Joint
401RW015
Legend
EndOFCallout
A universal joint consists of two Y-shaped yokes
connected by a crossmember called a spider.
The spider is shaped like a cross. Universal joints are
designed to handle the effects of various loadings and
front or rear axle windup during acceleration. Within the
designed angle variations, the universal joint will
operate efficiently and safely. When the design angle is
changed or exceeded the operationallife of the joint may
decrease.
The bearings used in universal joints are of the needle
roller type. The needle rollers are held in place on the
trunnions by round bearing cups. The bearing cups are
held in the yokes by snap rings.
(1) Spider
(2) Yoke
SECTION