Drivelines

What is the normal maximum working drive angle recommended for a conventional cross-and-roller universal joint (U-joint)?

5 ° 10 ° 12 ° 40 °

A driveshaft is manufactured to close tolerances at the factory. What is the maximum permitted tolerance (or "true to") for driveshaft balance?

0.001 inches (0.025 mm) 0.01 inches (0.25 mm) 0.1 inches (2.5 mm) 1.0 inches (25 mm)

During one full revolution of a driveshaft utilizing conventional U-joints, how many times does the driveshaft speed up and slow down?

The speed is constant throughout the revolution. Speeds up once and slows down once. Speeds up twice and slows down twice. Speeds up and slows down four times, corresponding to every 90 ° .

At how many points through its rotation does the speed of a driveshaft using conventional U-joints match the constant speed of the transmission output shaft?

Two points Three points Four points, or every 90 ° Only at the point of maximum angle

What is the most common type of driveline used in rear-wheel drive cars and light trucks, characterized by an open propeller shaft using a minimum of two universal joints?

Tripod joint driveline Hotchkiss driveline Torque tube arrangement All-wheel drive (AWD) system

A driveline must be capable of transferring power from a component that is fixed or attached to the chassis to a component that moves with the wheels. To accomplish this, the driveline must be designed to:

Maintain a fixed length and angle. Operate exclusively in Direct Drive (1:1 ratio). Flex and change length. Eliminate all universal joints.

Which component is the part of the driveline that connects a fixed final drive assembly to the moving rear wheels in rear-wheel drive vehicles with independent rear suspension?

The main propeller shaft The centre support bearing The driveshafts (halfshafts) The transmission slip yoke

A driveshaft that is too long will tend to flex, vibrate, and place an increased load on the universal joints. This driveshaft design limitation helps determine the allowable limits for which driveline configuration?

Compound shaft assemblies Single Shaft drivelines Front-wheel drive halfshafts Hotchkiss arrangements only

When multiple shafts are required due to an extremely long wheelbase, a centre support bearing (midship bearing) must be used. What is the function of this bearing in relation to the driveshafts?

It acts as a primary slip joint to allow length change. It carries the weight of the first shaft and secures its position in relation to the next shaft. It transfers power from the final drive assembly to the rear wheels. It eliminates the need for universal joints entirely.

A centre support bearing assembly is comprised of a sealed ball bearing mounted within what component that is designed to absorb vibration?

A steel bracket, bolted directly to the frame. A rigid cast iron housing. A rubber isolator fitted inside a steel bracket. A bronze bushing sleeve.

Why is the rubber isolator in a centre support bearing sometimes slotted rather than solid?

The slotted design requires less lubrication. The slotted design is required for two-piece driveshafts only. The slotted isolator cuts down on vibration more than the solid rubber isolator. The slotted design allows for end play adjustment.

The most common component replacement on rear-wheel drive vehicles, essential for allowing power transfer at an angle, is the:

Centre support bearing. Universal joint. Slip yoke. Inertia damper.

What is the most common U-joint used in drivelines in most rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive vehicles?

Rzeppa Joint Tripod Joint Conventional or cross-and-roller U-joint (Cardan) Double Cardan CV joint

The yoke and the stub shaft must be aligned precisely with one another before welding occurs to ensure:

The driveshaft fits into the transmission output shaft. The driveshaft can be easily balanced after assembly. The driveshaft yokes are phased correctly. The universal joint is secured by the internal snap ring retainers.

What is the consequence if conventional U-joints are installed in a driveshaft assembly without operating at a slight angle?

Excessive end play will be introduced into the mainshaft. The needle bearings will not rotate properly, causing premature wear on the trunnions. The slip yoke will lock onto the output shaft splines. The vibration generated will be noticeable to the customer.

What is the primary purpose of the slip yoke in a single driveshaft rear-wheel drive (RWD) application?

To secure the driveshaft to the differential pinion yoke. To reduce driveshaft vibration at high speed. To allow the driveshaft to change length as the suspension travels or load changes. To accommodate changes in the drive angle at the rear axle.

How is the internal spline of the slip yoke lubricated?

By synthetic grease applied during installation. By the transmission oil. By the differential fluid. By an external grease fitting on the yoke tube.

What component is added to some slip yokes to reduce vibration by creating a high inertia damper?

A flat Delrin washer. A heavy, rubber-mounted weight (inertia ring). An externally splined stub shaft. A round Delrin washer.

Which component in a cross-and-roller U-joint is constructed of forged steel with four machined and polished bearing surfaces (arms)?

The bearing cap The shield The cross or spider (trunnions) The flat Delrin washer

Which of the following is NOT one of the common methods listed for retaining a U-joint to a yoke?

Strap Inside snap ring Wing bearing and cotter pin U-bolt

What component is generally applied to the rear U-joint on a rear-wheel drive vehicle because the U-joint at this location does not need to accommodate driveline length changes?

Slip Yoke Fixed Yoke Double Cardan CV Joint Plunge Joint

What design feature is used on a driveshaft slip joint to ensure the slip yoke is always repositioned in the same location on the output shaft every time it is removed and replaced?

The external splines are machined smooth. The use of a small indexing pin on the yoke. A master spline composed of one larger flute and a corresponding cut-out. Alignment marks drawn on the yoke ears.

Which component of the driveline is explicitly interchangeable with the term "propeller shaft"?

Halfshaft Slip Yoke Driveshaft Centre Support Bearing

If a customer installs a new driveshaft and subsequently experiences a vibration, what is the most likely cause related to the installation of the shaft?

The driveshaft was manufactured with incorrect balance weights. The customer failed to grease the slip yoke splines. The driveshaft yokes were incorrectly phased at the slip joint. The driveshaft diameter was too large for the application.

The purpose of using two-piece Hotchkiss propeller shafts in long wheelbase vehicles is primarily to:

Increase the drive angle to 40 ° . Reduce driveshaft length (to reduce vibration) and improve ground clearance. Eliminate the need for universal joints entirely. Simplify the U-joint retainer system.

Which type of drive assembly usually requires the driveline to transfer power from a fixed transaxle to moving front wheels?

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with fixed final drives. Hotchkiss rear-wheel drive. Front-Wheel Drive (FWD). Multiple Shaft Driveline with tandem axles.

A special problem experienced by FWD vehicles, known as torque steer, is caused by which two primary conditions when the transaxle is not centered?

Incorrect U-joint phasing and excessive driveshaft vibration. Unequal-length halfshafts causing unequal torque distribution, and shafts operating at different CV joint angles. Failure of the steady bearing and excessive axle end play. Failure of the torque damper and lack of a master spline.

In FWD applications, torque steer is commonly corrected by the manufacturer by:

Increasing the size of the inner plunge joint. Using a two-piece driveshaft (intermediate shaft) on the long side to equalize halfshaft length. Reducing the size of the transaxle housing. Installing an inertia ring damper on the outer fixed joint.

What type of CV joint is designed to allow torque transfer through very sharp angles, specifically up to 40 ° , with reduced noise and vibration?

Double Cardan CV Joint Constant Velocity (CV) U-Joints Conventional Cardan U-Joints Fixed Yoke Joint

The Double Cardan CV joint is functionally a constant velocity joint. How does its operating angle compare to other CV joints?

It has a higher operating angle than Rzeppa joints. It has the widest operating angle of any CV joint type. Its operating angle is more limited than other types of CV joints. Its operating angle is fixed at 12 ° .

In a Double Cardan CV joint assembly, which component divides the drive angle evenly between the input and output shafts, helping to maintain constant velocity?

The companion flange The centering yoke The central ball and socket assembly The balance weight

The Rzeppa joint is a fixed depth CV joint. What feature allows it to maintain constant velocity with no speed change within the joint?

Its use of long, straight ball grooves. Its three-trunnion spider design. The caged balls always operate in the centre of the drive angle. The ability of the joint to plunge in and out.

Where are Rzeppa joints most commonly used?

At the transmission output shaft (inboard position). On the propeller shaft of four-wheel drive trucks. On the outboard end of front halfshafts (at the wheel). As the centre support bearing coupling shaft.

Since the Rzeppa joint is a fixed joint and does not allow for driveshaft length change, it must always be used in conjunction with what other type of joint?

A fixed yoke A Cardan U-joint A plunging joint or slip joint. A secondary fixed CV joint

The Double Offset Joint (modified Rzeppa) is classified as a plunge type CV joint. What design feature allows it to compensate for driveline length change?

The two cross-and-roller universal joints. The use of a tripod spider. Long, straight ball grooves in the input member (housing). The ability to pivot through an angle of 40 ° .

Which type of plunging CV joint uses a three-trunnion spider with rollers running on needle bearings, and is typically used at the inboard position of FWD vehicles?

Double Offset Joint Rzeppa Joint Tripod Joint (Tulip Joint) Cross-Groove (Lobro) Joint

The Cross-Groove (Lobro) Joint is also a plunging joint. What unique design feature allows it to maintain the centred position of the balls and cage while compensating for substantial halfshaft length change?

It uses a master spline on the inner race. It relies on a three-trunnion spider assembly. The ball grooves in the housing and inner race are machined at cross angles to each other. It uses a separate centre support bearing.

Why is it generally more economical to replace an entire rebuilt CV shaft assembly rather than rebuilding or replacing the individual joint?

Joint components are rarely available separately. The price of replacement shaft assemblies makes it more economical. Rebuilt shafts eliminate the need for a core charge. Individual joints require specialized welding and balancing equipment.

The core charge on rebuilt shaft assemblies serves what explicit purpose?

To cover the cost of the rubber boots and clamps. To ensure the customer purchases a new axle retaining nut. To encourage customers to return the old shaft so it can be returned to the supplier for rebuilding. To cover the cost of the damaged internal components.

What type of lock nut is specifically designed to resist vibration loosening and must not be reused when installing front drive components?

Castle nut with cotter pin Standard hex nut Torque-to-yield nut Flanged bearing nut

Why must a torque-to-yield axle retaining nut be replaced rather than reused?

They are designed to operate at very sharp angles only. The nut is distorted during installation and a reused nut would not have the same resistance to vibration loosening as a new nut. They lose their ability to accommodate length changes. They are always balanced with the driveshaft and cannot be separated.

What is the essential replacement component that must be sold to the customer when they purchase a new universal joint kit to retain the joint in the yoke?

Inertia damper Slip yoke Fasteners and clamps (e.g., U-bolts, straps, snap rings) Centre support bearing

Which of the following is listed as a function of the driveline?

To convert linear motion to rotational motion. To eliminate all driveline angle changes. To transfer power. To reduce torque to the drive wheels.

What is the condition known as when a conventional U-joint causes the shaft it is driving to speed up and slow down as it transfers rotational motion through an angle?

Constant velocity Variable velocity Direct Drive Underdrive

When must shims be used between the centre support bearing assembly and the vehicle cross-member?

To accommodate driveshaft length change. To adjust the backlash on the slip yoke splines. To adjust U-joint angles. To secure the position of the second shaft.

Driveshafts that are constructed of inner and outer tubes joined by an elastomer (rubber) sleeve are designed to accomplish which specific task?

To increase the driveshaft operating angle to 40 ° . To eliminate the transfer of driveline vibration up or down the shaft. To enable the shaft to operate as a plunge joint. To reduce the need for U-joint phasing.

What is the role of the bushing and rear seal in the transmission extension housing relative to the slip yoke?

The bushing locks the slip yoke into the splines. The outside surface of the steel tube of the slip yoke is machined smooth to seal with the transmission extension housing bushing and rear seal. The seal lubricates the internal splines of the yoke. The bushing absorbs vibration from the inertia damper.

What components are identified as the most common ones to be replaced on front-wheel drive vehicles?

Universal joints and slip yokes. Constant velocity joints and boot kits. Driveshaft tubing and fixed yokes. Master splines and inertia rings.