|
|
Driveshaft FAQ
Driveshaft FAQ
Questions and Answers
Yes. There are several ways to make a driveshaft stronger.
-
Increase tubing diameter.
-
Increase tubing wall thickness.
-
Increase UJoint size.
-
Switch from greasable to non-greasable U-Joints.
-
Switch from a steel to an aluminum driveshaft.
Call one of our driveshaft experts if you need help determining how to make your driveshaft stronger.
Yes. You can upgrade to an aluminum driveshaft. Aluminum driveshafts weigh approximately 1/3 less than steel.
Conversion U-Joints are used when your driveshaft has a different UJoint series (cap diameter and cross dimensions) compared to the transmission or rear end. For example, if your transmission and and rear end are 1330 series but you want to buy a bigger/stronger 1350 Series driveshaft. Action Machine offers conversion U-Joints that have 1350 Series on two caps and 1330 Series on the two ends to match up to your vehicle. When measuring a Conversion U-Joint, be sure to measure across the the U-Joint in both directions (with the caps on and fully compressed) and measure all 4 cap diameters. Refer to our easy-to-follow U-Joint Measuring Guide to for more information on how to measure U-Joints or call us for help.
Yes. This is common if the transmission or rear end has been modified. If you think that you have 2 different sizes on the same U-Joint, you might have a conversion U-Joint. Refer to our U-Joint Identification Guide to determine what you have.
Yes. To shorten a driveshaft, we remove one weld yoke, cut the tube to length, re-weld the yoke and then balance the driveshaft.
To lengthen a driveshaft, both yokes are removed, new tube is installed then welded and finally the driveshaft is balanced.
Either option will save you at least 50% versus the cost of purchasing a complete new shaft. All you have to do is ship the shaft to us and we will handle the rest!
|
Cause |
Solutions |
|
Wrong U-Joint Size |
Inspect driveshaft, rear end and transmission yokes for U-Joint sizes. Use the How to Measure Guides to help you. |
|
Improper Lubrication |
Make sure that all 4 caps on U-Joint accept grease. Also be sure to follow the proper greasing frequency guidelines. Generally,... |
|
Improper Installation |
Inspect snap rings to be sure they are properly seated. Check U Bolts and strap kits. Over-torquing U-Bolts will crush the caps and not allow the roller bearings to operate properly. |
|
Worn Yokes |
U-Joints caps should have a tight fit in the yoke. They should not spin. |
|
Excessive Torque |
|
|
Improper Phasing |
Most driveshafts are built with the yokes at each end of the tube aligned in the same position. If the transmisson yoke ear faces the side and the rear end yoke ear faces up, then the driveshaft could be phased wrong. Multi Piece driveshafts usually have all yokes aligned for best operation. Rephase driveshaft and balance. |
|
Driveshaft too long or too heavy |
Change to a 2 Piece or aluminum driveshaft. |
|
Driving conditions too extreme for driveshaft |
|
|
U-Joint quality too low for application |
Off Shore / Generic U-Joints should be replaced with Heavy Duty U-Joints. |
|
Improper Driveline Angles |
For most cars and trucks without a CV joint, try to maintain U-Joint operating angles at between .5 and 3 degrees max. |
|
Causes |
Solutions |
|
Driveshaft out of Phase |
Most driveshafts are built with the yokes at each end of the tube aligned in the same position. If the transmisson yoke ear faces the side and the rear end yoke ear faces up, then the driveshaft could be phased wrong. Multi Piece driveshafts usually have all yokes aligned for best operation. Rephase driveshaft and balance. |
|
Worn or Broken U-Joint |
Check for movement. Check U-Joint trunions (ends) for any uneven wear. |
|
Wrong Size U-Joints |
Check OEM specs. Use Measuring Guides to check driveshaft and yokes for proper fit. |
|
Driveshaft too Long |
Call us to review your set up. Solution could be to install 2 Piece driveshaft. |
|
Worn Slip Yoke or Spline |
Slip yoke and spline should have very little torsional rotation. Also, the slip yoke should move smoothly and evenly over the spline. The coating on the spline, if it has it, should fully cover the spline. If worn, we can help by replacing the slip, spline (or both if required) and then balancing the driveshaft. |
|
Lack of Grease |
Where applicable, make sure that ALL U-Joint caps and slip yoke accept grease. Follow lube interval recommendations. |
|
Driveshaft not straight or out of balance |
In most cases, straightening and balancing will solve this problem. Worst case scenario is that the driveshaft tube would have to be replaced. |
|
Balance weight fell off. |
Balance driveshaft. |
|
Torsional and/or inertial excitation |
Straighten tube and balance driveshaft. |
|
Cause |
Solution |
|
Driveshaft too Long |
Install 2 Piece driveshaft. |
|
Driveshaft not Straight or out of Balance |
Straighten and balance driveshaft. |
|
Lack of Lubrication |
Grease UJoints and slip yoke as needed. |
|
Cause |
Solution |
|
Driveshaft too Long |
Install 2 Piece driveshaft. |
|
Excessive Torque |
|
|
Driving conditions too extreme for driveshaft |
|
There are a lot of variables when dealing with an angle problem. We recommend contacting one of the Action Machine professionals to discuss your specific vehicle and application.
|
|