Here at DriveLine, we specialise in prop shaft repairs, but of course, a prop shaft actually combines multiple separate components into a single assembly, and is not just a single object in its own right.
Because it is made up of many different joints, individual parts of a prop shaft can fail, and thus result in different problems occurring to the vehicle in question. However, not many people are acquainted with the different parts of a prop shaft, making it difficult for them to identify which part is causing problems or which part is leading to driving concerns.
Of course, replacing the whole of a prop or drive shaft will usually solve any issues, but it still pays to know your components! Here is a brief overview:
- Flange Yoke: This yoke is used to strengthen and hold the prop shaft in place at either end, in this case in relation to the connection to a gearbox, differential or another prop shaft. Twin yoke ‘ears’ hold the flange yoke in place against the universal joint.
- Universal Joint: Many people have heard of the universal joint, and will recognise its distinct ‘x-shape’. Universal joints are perhaps the easiest part of a prop shaft to repair, and any damage to these joints usually comes from wear and tear around the four bearing caps. There are located at either end of a prop shaft, just within the flange yoke.
- Sliding Section: The sliding section is the lengthiest part of a prop shaft, and consists of a ‘male’ and ‘female’ spline. Sliding shafts allow for both compression and extension in the prop shaft during installation and use, and this movement often means that they wear out sooner than most other prop shaft components.
- Tube: The tube of a prop shaft is made from ‘drawn over mandrel’ (DOM) tubing with a totally uniform wall thickness. Never reaching beyond 6mm in thickness for most normal applications, the strength of the tube comes from its diameter, and the longer the prop shaft is in total, the thicker and wider the tube needs to be.
- Tube Yoke: The tube yoke is a fixed point that attaches to a universal joint. They do not slide and are sometimes known as ‘weld yokes’ because of this rigidity.
Of course, with so many components all working together, it’s scarcely any wonder that prop shafts can develop vibration problems if even one of these parts becomes a little loose. Here at DriveLine, we’re confident that we’ll be able to diagnose the exact cause of the problem with your prop shaft, and will be able to supply exactly the parts that you need to carry out any prop shaft repairs. To find out more, contact us now by calling 01524 382262 or emailing info@propshaftrepairs.com and we will be happy to help.
