Cardan joint: functions, change and price

The universal joint plays an important role in sealing your vehicle's universal joints. Indeed, this will prevent engine oil from leaking between the propeller shaft and the propeller shaft bellows to ensure their correct operation and prolong their life. In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about a universal joint: how it works, symptoms of wear, how to replace it, and what is its purchase price!

🚘 How does the gimbal work?

Also called transmission sealcardan joint can single or double depending on the type of transmission in your vehicle. In most configurations, the universal joint is joint SPI made of elastomeric rubber and reinforced. Depending on the specifics of your car and its brand, the thickness of the gasket, its inner and outer diameter will be more or less large.

Placed between the gimbal and its bellows, it will prevent engine oil leaks on these two elements. Since this cuffThis allows the system to work with any rotating element without losing its waterproofness. So this is the same universal joint system for Transmission your car.

The cardan joint is part of wearing the service life of which is long enough, because it must be replaced every 100 to 000 kilometers depending on the vehicle. However, it will change every time the gimbal and gimbal are replaced. To find out how often these two elements change, you can refer to service book your vehicle, which contains all the manufacturer's recommendations.

🔍 What are the symptoms of the HS universal joint?

When the propeller shaft starts to wear out, unusual symptoms will start to appear on your vehicle. Thus, you will be able to detect the HS universal joint in the following situations:

• Engine oil leaks : The seal is no longer tight, causing engine oil to leak from the propeller shaft. In some cases, there may be puddles of engine oil under the car if the leak is severe;
• Cardan joint damaged : There are tears or cracks on the rubber in some places. This is due to the conditions in which it is located, because they deteriorate with use;
• Cardan boot in poor condition : The bellows may be cracked or cracked. It may also have traces of fat on it if it is in critical condition. It will need to be replaced, like the gimbal.
• Gimbal edge is no longer flexible : When used, the lip of the seal loses its elasticity and becomes rigid. The risk of bursting is high, the seal must be changed quickly before the engine oil leaks.

🔧 How to change the gimbal?

If you notice that your gimbal is damaged, you can replace it yourself, even if you are familiar with an auto mechanic. In the tutorial, we will walk you step by step to make this maneuver a success.

Required material:

Toolbox

Jack

Candles

Protective gloves

Pallet

Torque wrench

Transmission oil canister

New universal joint

Step 1. Raise the car

Start by lifting your vehicle with jack и candles to secure the maneuver. Then disassemble your rake с Wrench loosen the fixing bolts.

Step 2. Drain the water from the transmission.

Loosen the cardan nut and place the drain pan under the vehicle. Then remove the filler plug and drain plug to allow the oil to drain.

Step 3: Remove the damaged universal joint.

To safely remove the seal, disconnect Tie Rod, rocket and Suspension knee pad... Second, remove the stabilizer and then the seal.

Step 4: Install the new universal joint

Install a new universal joint, then replace the universal joint. Then you need to reconnect the elements from step 3.

Step 5: add gear oil

After closing the drain plug, fill the gearbox with oil and reassemble the wheel. Lower the vehicle off the jack and jack, then take a short drive to check that the new universal joint is working properly.

💰 How much does a gimbal cost?

Usually a universal joint is a very affordable thing. Thus, it can be found at the car supplier or on various internet sites. On average, it is sold between 3 € and 10 €... If the change is done by a professional, count between 50 € and 200 € additional work.

An U-Joint is essential to ensure your U-Joint's tightness and durability. As soon as signs of wear and tear appear, use our online garage comparator to make an appointment with the professional near you at the best price!