UTC-KYEMA

INFORMATION SHEET

TRAINING: BESIC TRAINING Code TCAM 101

COURSE: NCAM
Module: Automotive Technology and Maintenance I TRAINING: BESIC TRAINING
COURSE: NCAM

Sub-Module : Drive Train

Propeller Shaft

A propeller shaft is a bulky long, tubular mechanical component made of hollow steel,
aluminium or composite materials that connects the transmission and the differential in a rear
wheel drive layout. The shaft is connected to the transmission and the differential with the help
of universal joints at both ends and a slip joint that help in accommodating the increase in height
or length when travelling over an uneven surface with minimum or no loss of power.
It is generally seen in rear wheel drive vehicles and all wheel drive vehicles.
 Following are various components of a propeller shaft:

1. Propeller shaft slip yoke

2. Propeller shaft universal joint spider bearing retainer ring
3. Propeller shaft universal joint
4. Propeller shaft tube
5. Propeller shaft universal joint spider bearing retainer ring
6. Propeller shaft universal joint
7. Propeller shaft bearing retainer
8. Propeller shaft bearing retainer bolt
1. Propeller Shaft Slip Yoke
The slip yoke connects the transmission to the propeller
shaft. It also connects one propeller shaft to another in
multi shaft application. The slip yoke consists of
external splines which match with the internal splines of
flange

2. Propeller Shaft Universal Joint Spider Bearing Retainer Ring

 The retainer ring is located between the propeller shaft
slip yoke and the universal joint.
The main function of the retainer ring is to hold both the
components together when in operation.

3. Propeller Shaft Universal Joint

The universal joint provides flexibility to the propeller
shaft and is located between the propeller shaft and the
slip yoke. It consists of two Y shaped yokes that are
joined together by needle or roller bearings. The
bearings are lubricated for life.

Construction and operation

1. Two-joint type
The overall length of each segment of the two-joint type propeller shaft is relatively
great. When the propeller shaft is rotating at a high speed, the shaft tends to bend slightly
and vibrate more because of the residual imbalance.
2. Three-joint type
The length per shaft of the two-piece, three-joint type propeller shaft is shorter and
bending due to imbalance is therefore less. Vibration at high speeds is also reduced.
Centre Bearing

The centre bearing supports the two parts of the propeller shaft in the middle, and is
installed via a flange to the splines located at the end of the intermediate shaft.
The centre bearing itself consists of the rubber bushing that covers the nearing which, in
turn, supports the propeller shafts, and is fitted to the body by a bracket. Because the
propeller shaft is separated into two sections, vibration in the propeller shaft is absorbed
by the rubber bushing to prevent vibration from reaching the vehicle body. As a result,
vibration and noise from the propeller shaft in high speed ranges are reduced to an
absolute minimum.
NOTE:
Before disassembling the centre bearing, match marks must be made on the flange yoke
and intermediate shaft to ensure accuracy when the flange yoke is assembled after
servicing.
If parts are assembled without reference to the match marks, vibration and /or noise may
result when the vehicle is driven.
Universal Joint
The purpose of the universal joint is to absorb the angular changes in relative positions of
the differential in relation to the transmission, and in this way to smoothly transmit power
from the transmission to the differential.

Hooke’s Joint

Hooke’s joints are commonly used because of their simple construction and functional
accuracy. One of the two yokes is welded to the propeller shaft, and the other yoke forms
an integral part of a joint flange or a sleeve (slip joint).
In order to prevent the bearing cup from flying off when the propeller shaft is turning at
high speed, either a snap ring or a lock plate is used to fasten the bearing cup in the solid
cup type.
The shell bearing cup type cannot be disassembled.

Flexible Joint