ABOUT JOINTS & YOKES

Universal joints allow drive shafts to fluctuate with the suspension while driving, allowing power to be supplied even when the drive shaft is not in a straight line between the gearbox and the drive wheels. In rear-wheel-drive vehicles, universal joints (U-joints) are located at both ends of the drive shaft. U-joints are attached to yokes that allow drive shafts to move front and rear as vehicles pass over bumps or dips in the road, effectively shortening or lengthening the shaft. Front-drive vehicles also use two joints, known as constant velocity (or CV) joints, but they are of a different type that compensate for steering changes. When a drive gear is engaged on a rear-drive vehicle, a "clank" sound is one sign of a worn U-joint. When CV joints in front-drive vehicles wear out, they often make a clicking noise. Protective rubber boots cover CV joints, and if the boots crack or are otherwise damaged, the CV joints will lose their lubrication and become damaged by dirt and moisture.

ADDITONAL INFROMATION ABOUT JOINTS & YOKES

When axes are inclined to each other by some angle, which may constantly vary under working conditions, Universal joints are capable of transmitting torque and rotational motion from one shaft to the next. Universal joints are used in the transmission system of a vehicle to perform basic functions like propeller shaft end joints between the longitudinally front-mounted gearbox and the rear final drive axle, rear axle drive shaft end joints between the sprung final drive and the unsprung rear wheel stub axle, and front axle drive shaft end joints between the sprung front-mounted final drive and the unsprung front wheel steerer stub axle. When used for longitudinally mounted propeller shafts and transverse rear-mounted drive shafts, Universal joints can only move in vertical direction. These joints must move in both the vertical and horizontal planes when used for the front outer drive shaft, to accommodate both vertical suspension deflection and swivel pin angular movement to steer the front wheels. Even when the torque is transmitted to the stub axle, the outer drive shaft steering joint's angular working movement is compounded in two planes, resulting in large and varying working angles. Due to the harsh working conditions, special universal joints known as constant velocity joints are used. These joints were created to absorb torque and speed fluctuations, as well as to operate reliably with minimal noise and wear over a long period of time.

JOINTS & YOKES IN VIVID RACING

Finding the ideal aftermarket component is difficult and time consuming. We fully understand, and we are here to assist you in locating the appropriate joints and upgrades for your specific application. Vivid Racing carries a large selection of universal joints designed to improve the feel of your vehicle. Vivid Racing guarantees that their products will meet their customers' quality, comfort, and strength requirements.