Cardan joint in a car - types, price. What are the hub and shaft for? How to care for joints in the car?

Cant in the car - what is it?

It all starts with a distinction between two types of suspension - dependent and independent. It is this design solution that determines the method of transmitting torque from the axle shaft to the wheel hub. In a dependent suspension, the drive hinge occurs once per wheel. The entire connection between the hub and the differential is rigid, and the wheel moves horizontally relative to the axle shaft. The wheels on the axle are connected.

On vehicles with independent suspension, two hinges must be used. This is caused by a kink in the torque line from the gearbox or differential. The hub performs rotational and vertical movement relative to the shaft, which prevents its rectilinear drive.

Drive joint - how many pieces do you need in the car?

The key to determining the number of joints in a car is how the suspension works. In vehicles equipped with a rigid axle, the wheel only moves horizontally, whether it is torsion or not. At the moment, designers use one hinge per drive wheel in the car. This type of design can be found mainly on off-road vehicles.

Other vehicles running on independent suspension have external and internal articulation. It does not matter if the torsion wheel or moves perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft. The key is its ability to perform vertical movements, which determines the performance of two joints.

Types of connections in the car - element design

Basically, two types of connections are used in vehicles: 

• simple (heterogeneous);
• homokinetic (simultaneous). 

A simple joint in the car

A direct hinge in a car is characterized by the ability to maintain the same speed of rotation at the input and output only when both axles move in a straight line relative to each other. As a result of this phenomenon, the semi-shaft joint changes speed depending on the angle of inclination of the elements relative to each other, which forces the use of a second element to equalize it. An example of a simple design is a universal joint. The undeniable advantage is, above all, the simplicity and high strength of a simple connection. Therefore, it is used to drive the rear wheels and in cars with a rigid axle implemented.

Homokinetic joint - characteristics

These elements are devoid of the defect of changing the speed transmitted from the shaft. The first CV joints were based on a double cruciform design, which made it possible to mutually nullify the fluctuations in the speed of rotation. However, they did not find wide application, because ball joints began to dominate the market. Machine designs began to be based on a homokinetic solution, which influenced their dynamic development. 

Improvement in joint design over the years

The Weiss joint turned out to be a breakthrough idea. Its design was based on the presence of four balls that moved in bifurcated guides. The fifth ball was responsible for the centralization of the forks. 

However, over time, an improved solution appeared, which, by the name of the designer, was called the Zheppa joint. Its work is based on the presence of 6 balls that move in specially profiled guides in the sleeve. The second part of the element is a basket that supports the balls in the right place. The Rzeppa drive joint turned out to be a solution for the future, requiring some modifications. Their reason was the low strength of the structure.

For this reason, the Bearfield-Rzepp joint model was developed. It is based on the design of its predecessor, but has guides to ensure that the balls are self-aligning in the right places. For this reason alone, this solution is characterized by increased strength and the ability to transmit high torque. It is also capable of working efficiently at large angles, reaching more than 40 degrees.^o.

The hinge in the car - why does it wear out?

Drivers do not always pay attention to the condition of the joints of the car. Usually the situation changes when interfering knocks, rattles and vibrations come to the ear when cornering. The outer hinge is then only suitable for replacement because it ON RIGHTS it's impossible. Joint wear is natural, but the way you drive your car has a big impact on how fast it wears.

To understand how important it is to take care of the joints in the car, remember that huge forces act on these products. The transfer of drive from the differential or gearbox to the hub is affected by permanent overloads. Most often, problems begin with the element most subject to wear - the ball assembly.

Articulation - price

Joint prices vary. The amount you have to pay for a replacement in popular cars is around 20 euros, however, if you decide to go to an authorized service center, the price of connections can increase several times. The exchange is not difficult ... in theory. In practice, if you cannot do it yourself, then entrust this task to professionals. 

How to take care of the external joint?

First, pay attention to your driving style. A joint that has to suddenly go big torque on a twisted wheel, standing still, it is damaged. Remember that it does not have a clutch mechanism to absorb excess torque at the moment. A spectacular start with a creak of tires attracts the attention of passers-by, but it has a strong effect, including on the operation of the drive unit.

Joint verification is critical!

If you want to be sure that the hinges in your car are in proper condition, take the time to inspect them. The quality of the rubber coating is crucial here. Although it is the simplest and cheapest element in the entire joint, it has a linear effect on its durability. There is a lubricant inside that eliminates friction and helps the balls function properly. Even small cracks in the covers mean that water, sand and dirt can get in and dramatically accelerate component wear. If you see worn or cracked caps, replace them promptly.

Tire width and faster joint wear

Impressive wide tires with parameters that deviate from the factory recommendations affect the transmission overload. In this case, the outer joint and the entire axle shaft are subjected to forces not specified by the vehicle manufacturer.

Signs of joint wear

The most characteristic sign confirming the operation of the joints is a knock during acceleration on the turned wheels. This is due to excessive play in the ball joint. An additional sign is vibration, which can often be confused with bearing wear in the hub. However, this type of sound does not increase with speed, as it does when a bearing fails.

As you can see, the joint in the car is extremely important for its proper operation. In severe cases, damage to it can lead to a stop of the car. To prevent this from happening, try to take care of the entire transmission of your car. Thus, it will repay you with many years of trouble-free operation. long haul!