Transfer the Power Efficiently

The driveshaft refers to a device used to transfer power from the engine to a location where work is applied. In British English, however, a driveshaft is strictly defined as a transverse shaft that transmits power to the wheels, particularly those at the front.

Before the advent of driveshafts, car owners made use of chain or belt drive mechanisms, secondhand electrical generators, and motors that transmit power to the wheels. Nowadays, a typical driveshaft is commonly made of aluminum or high quality steel. It is usually hollow so that it weighs less for effective performance.

There are two types of driveshafts. The first one is the Hotchkiss driveshaft, which is composed of a drive shaft attached to the transmission output shaft and the differential pinion gear shaft. This type transfers the torque of the output shaft to the differential. To minimize vibration and ease the installation process, the Hotchkiss drive sometimes comes in two pieces, wherein a total of three U-joints and an additional rubber are used. The second type is the torque tube driveshaft, which is a hollow steel tube that extends from the transmission to the rear axle housing. It is mainly used if there is a need for the driveshaft to carry the wheel drive thrust. One end of the torque tube driveshaft is fastened to the axle with housing bolts, while the transmission end is fastened with a torque ball.

To make for a smooth ride, the driveshaft has to be flexible enough to absorb the shock caused by bumps and holes on the road. To accomplish this task, the driveshaft makes use of universal- or U-joints that allow the driveshaft to flex when there is a shift in the drive angle. The driveshaft must remain straight and balanced to prevent excessive vibration and damage. Because of the weight and stress that it is constantly subjected to, the driveshaft becomes prone to wear and tear. It thus needs to be maintained regularly to ensure its proper functioning at all times.