2. The propeller shaft transmits power from the
gearbox’s output shaft to the differential.
There are no or very few power losses, this
means there is no change in the RPM when the
power is transmitted.
It can transmit power at a different elevation like
if the gearbox output shaft is at 1 meter from the
ground and differential is at 0.5 meters from the
ground.
The shaft can adjust itself while the vehicle runs
through obstacles such as a speed breaker.
5. The working principle of a universal joint is based on using two
yokes, each attached to one of the shafts to be coupled, and a
cross-shaped connecting piece called a cross-pin that links the
two yokes together. The cross-pin is mounted in bearings in the
yokes, allowing it to rotate and swivel, allowing the shafts to
move and rotate relative to each other.
When torque is applied to one of the shafts, it is transmitted
through the universal joint to the other shaft, causing it to rotate.
As the relative orientation of the two shafts changes, the cross-
pin can rotate and swivel in the bearings in the yokes, allowing
the universal joint to accommodate these changes while
transmitting torque and allowing the shafts to rotate. This allows
the universal joint to provide a flexible and versatile coupling
between the two shafts, allowing them to move and rotate freely
in different directions while transmitting torque.
6.
7. A slip spline joint is generally used at the output side of the
propeller shaft. It helps in torque transmission at various
lengths of the propeller shaft. It comes in action during the
obstacles faced by the automobile.
For example, when a car approaches a speed breaker the
rear wheels will be pushed up this results in compression
of the propeller shaft as soon as the car passes the
breaker the dampers push back the rear wheel which
results in the normal length of the shaft.
To transmit power during such conditions a slip spline joint
is used. It also protects the shaft from compressive and
tensile stresses.
8. The tubular shafts are used to compensate for the
distance factor between the gearbox and the rear
axle. There can be two or more tubular shafts
depending on the type of propeller shaft.
The tubular shafts can be short as well as long
depending on the distance from the gearbox to the
axle. In the case of a rear-wheel drive, long tubular
shafts are used and in the case of a front-wheel
drive, short tubular shafts are used.
9.
In between the differential and the driving wheels is the rear axle to
transmit power from the differential to the driving wheels. It is clear
from the construction of the differential, that the rear axle is not a
single piece, but it is in two halves connected by the differential, one
part is known as the half shaft.
The inner end of the half shaft is connected to the sun gear of the
differential. and the outer end of the driving wheel. In rear-wheel-drive
vehicles, the rear wheels are the driving wheels. Whereas, in front-
wheel drive vehicles, the front wheels are the driving wheels. Almost
all rear axles on modern passenger cars are live axles, that is, they
revolve with the wheels.
Dead axles simply remain stationary, do not move with the wheels. A
housing completely encloses the rear axles and the differential,
protecting them from water, dust and injury, in addition to mounting
their inner bearings and providing a container of the lubricant