|
Universal
Joint (U-joint)
The Universal joint (U-joint)
connects the drive shaft to the transmission output shaft and the
differential pinion gear shaft. This joint must be flexible enough to
allow changes in the driving angle (road incline) and the drive shaft.
This way, the torque is constantly transmitted when the rear axle is
moving up and down. Smaller U-joints are used to route the turning
motion of the steering wheel through the steering column to the steering
box. There are two types of U-joints, the cross and roller type and the
ball and trunnion type. The cross and roller type is used the most; it
allows the drive shaft to bend. The ball and trunnion type less
frequently used; it allows the drive shaft to bend and also permits
backward and forward motion of the drive shaft.
|
