Drive Shaft
A driveshaft
or driving shaft is a device that transfers power from the engine to
the point where work is applied. In the case of automobiles, the drive
shaft transfers engine torque to the drive axle, which connects the
two wheels together on opposite sides and with which they turn. The
driveshaft is also sometimes called propeller shaft.
Drive shafts are
essentially carriers of torque. Before they became a vogue, older automobiles
used chain drive and even generators to transmit power to the wheels.
Drive shafts today, however, have U-joints, devices which help them
to move and down during suspension.
Some drive shafts
also have another kind of joint, called slip joints, which allow them
to adjust their lengths to the movement of the suspension. Adjustments
aside, drive shafts are of different lengths depending on their use.
Long shafts are used in front engine, rear-drive vehicles while shorter
ones are used when power must be sent from a central differential, transmission,
or transaxle.
Because of the load
they carry, drive shafts must be strong enough to bear the stress that
is required in the transmission of power. Thus, they must be periodically
checked, too. Some U-joints do not require periodic lubrication as they
have been designed that way by their manufacturers, but they must be
inspected at each oil check nevertheless. Bad U-joints could cause the
driveshaft to separate from the vehicle.
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