Universal Joints - All You Need To Know

A universal joint is a type of flexible coupling and is the earliest to use. It is mainly used in automobiles and trucks and is located where two shafts are required to be joined at an angle to generate torque. For example, suppose you carefully observe the vehicle's transmission system. In that case, you'll find that the gearbox's output shaft is connected to the propeller shaft and differential pinion shaft by a universal joint. The reason behind that the propeller shaft and differential pinion shaft are not in a straight line, so the universal joint allows for the connection between them. The Cardan joint, also known as a hook joint, is a simple and most common type of joint that permits torque transmission at an angle, and also while this angle is constantly changing as the vehicle moves on the road. With many unique features, Rotar universal joints can be the perfect option for a set of applications.

Purpose of a Universal Joint

The differential rises and falls if you drive your car on an uneven road. It results in the angle shift of the propeller shaft, which affects the overall transmission. If your differential is connected with the gearbox and there's no universal joint, the rise and fall of the rear axle can result in connection failure. Hence, a universal joint keeps the transition intact.

Parts of a Universal Joint

There are two parts of a universal joint, and they are:

1. Driving Yoke and Driven Yoke

The universal joint consists of two yokes, the driving yoke and the driven yoke, which are connected to form the joint.

2. Spider

This part is called a spider because all of the yokes on the differential are connected via a cross-shaped part in the middle. It simply resembles a spider, so the differential got its name.

Functions of a Universal Joint

1. There are basically three functions of a universal joint, and they are -
2. It connects two shafts on which the axles interact with each other.
3. It allows the rotation of a single shaft on its axis with the help of another shaft that rotates on its own axis.
4. The universal joint also allows the power transmission at one angle, even if constantly changing.

Uses of a Universal Joint

The most common use of universal joints is that they are required to connect shafts. You can choose the right universal joint on the basis of its material and hub type. They're also used in rear-wheel-drive cars as they are included in the propeller shafts. In addition, they're used for transmission motion, power, or both. Other than that, universal joints are used in aircraft, electronics, instrumentation, medical and optical instruments, sewing machines, tool drives, and more.

Bottom Line

So, that is all you need to know about universal joints. If you want to buy the best quality universal joints, consider buying them from Tradelink Services. They are adept at offering technologically advanced products to the Indian industries. With a combined experience of more than six decades, they offer MAV Locking Assemblies, Extendable (AL) & Single Joints, One Piece Rigid Coupling with Keyway, and more.