Constant-velocity joints (CV joints) are special joints designed to allow power to transfer from the drive shaft without increasing friction, at a variable angle, and at a constant rotational speed. They are used in various drive systems. Rear wheel drive automobiles often have CV joints at the end of the rear axle half shafts. Some of the newer models also have CV joints on the prop shafts.
All-wheel drive and front wheel drive cars are made with CV joints in the drive systems. Some specialized cars, like the Audi Quattros, have CV joints in the prop shaft and on all four half-axles, totaling as many as ten CV joints on one car. The CV joints have a CV gaiter, a rubber boot that protects the joint from dirt and debris that would quickly wear it down. Thus the CV gaiter needs to be checked for damage.
The CV joint replaced the earlier universal joint. Invented for other purposes by Gerolamo Cardano in the 1500s, it was the standard in autos for many years. The universal joint has its purpose, in that it can be made with great strength and is simple to manufacture. But it cannot handle extreme angles well and needs more maintenance than the CV joint.
Alfred Rzeppa filed a patent for the Tracta CV joint in 1927. The tracta joint has a double tongue and groove joint. It is made up of two forks and two semi-round sliding parts. These interlock in a floating connection. The tongue and groove joint are out of phase with the yoke jaws, allowing for constant velocity rotation.
Rzeppa joints, in particular, have a round inside with 6 grooves that guide balls. The input shaft is placed inside the large metal gear. The metal gear is inside a cage that has six openings. The benefit of this joint is that it can take major angle changes caused by the front wheels turning sharply, ranging from a 45-52 degree articulation.
The tripod joint is used in the driveshaft at the inboard end. The shaft has a three-pointed yoke attached and roller-bearings shaped like barrels. These bearings run through grooves inside a cup. Engine rocking does not preload the bearings as the shaft is able to move in a plunge movement, up to50mm of plunge and 26 degrees of articulation.
Weiss joints have two ball yokes located commonly by four balls. Two of the balls preload the joint while the other two transmit the torque. Unlike the Rzeppa, no cage is necessary for this design. And the double cardan has a short intermediate shaft length, making it possible to mount the two Hooke’s joints back to back. These joints are usually used in steering columns and to replace Rzeppa CV joints when impulsive torque loads and high-articulation angles are used. The CV joint has various purposes for many drive systems and is thus an integral part of auto assembly, and will most likely continue to be so for many years to come.
Want to learn more about the different parts of your car? Check out Final Touch Automotive’s Exhaust Garage reference section to learn more about mufflers, catalytic converters, and exhaust systems.
Related Posts
As an EV owner, understanding your vehicle's battery is critical. From its capacity to its lifespan, and everything in between, we'll guide you through what you need to know to optimize your EV experience. So buckle up and get ready - we're about to shed some light on the electrifying world of EV batteries. What [...]
If your car is running hot, it can be a sign that something’s not right with your engine. Fortunately, diagnosing the cause of an overheating engine isn't too difficult if you know what to look for and how to address it. Keep reading if you want to learn the most common issues that occur when [...]
Your vehicle's exhaust system serves a critical role in managing the byproducts of the combustion process and ensuring optimal engine performance. The appearance of colored smoke from the exhaust pipe, either when stationary or accelerating, can provide valuable clues to underlying mechanical issues. What is a car exhaust? A car exhaust is a system [...]
