1.0 GENERAL. A universal joint is a positive, mechanical connection between rotating shafts, which are usually not parallel, but intersecting. It consists of two yokes, one on each shaft, connected by a cross-shaped intermediate member called the spider. The angle between the two shafts is called the operating angle.
What are the types of universal joint?
- Single joint: has only one bending aspect and is capable of operating at up to a 45-degree angle.
- Double joint: utilizes two bending joints, the double u-joint can operate at angles up to 90 degrees.
What machine uses a universal joint?
Today, universal joints are used universally in many machines in which there are long rotating shafts. Most notably, such joints are found between the transmission and rear drive shafts of rear-wheel drive cars (see Figure 3) and in old-fashioned tower clocks.
How are universal joints made?
A universal joint is a connection between two objects, typically shafts, that allows relative rotation in two axes. It is made up of two revolute joints with perpendicular and intersecting axes. It is possible to create a constant velocity joint by combining a number of universal joints.
What happens when u-joint fails?
What Happens When a U-Joint Fails? When a u-joint fails, your vehicle breaks down and stops moving. There may also be extensive damage to the underside of the vehicle and potentially to the driveline itself. The u-joint is a small part, but it can cause thousands of dollars in repairs if it completely fails.
What are the parts of a universal joint?
- Driving Yoke and Driven Yoke. The universal consists of two yokes, one is a driving yoke and another is a driven yoke, to form the joint.
- Spider. These yokes are connected by means of a cross-shaped intermediate member called the spider. In this, a shaft can be rotated at many angles.
What is the main function of universal joint?
Universal joints allow drive shafts to move up and down with the suspension while the shaft is moving so power can be transmitted when the drive shaft isn't in a straight line between the transmission and drive wheels. Rear-wheel-drive vehicles have universal joints (or U-joints) at both ends of the drive shaft.
What is the most common universal joint?
Cardan joint
What is another name for universal joint?
A universal joint may also known as a universal coupling, a U-joint, a Cardan joint, a Spicer joint, a Hardy-Spicer joint or a Hooke's joint. A universal joint is a connection between two objects, typically shafts, that allows relative rotation in two axes.
What is the difference between a CV joint and a universal joint?
While a CV joint and U-joint are roughly the same at 0 degrees, the CV joint is able to maintain velocity through a larger range of angles. It's also able to handle a greater torque load. This makes the CV joint stronger and less susceptible to issues like vibration and friction. This means that CV joints break less.