The car shaft is a balance of his work

It is impossible to imagine the structure and functioning of any car without an element such as a shaft. This, in fact, the axis, but unlike similar parts, which are mounted mainly in wagons and other inert movable structures, the shafts perform much more functions. The extent to which they are important for each machine, and how they function, we now try to figure it out.

The car, as is known, consists of numerous pulleys, levers, steering wheels and, of course, wheels. And all these details are attached to the so-called axis, or shaft. This is the supporting element, which is primarily responsible for the course of the entire movable structure. However, if the ordinary axis, which is mounted in heavy-duty cars, retains only the wheels and allows them to rotate synchronously, then the machine shaft has much more "responsibilities". Mostly this detail is a way of transferring torque from one part of the car to another. In addition, it maintains in working order all rotating aggregates, which are responsible for the movement of the machine.

Main differences of axes from shafts

As a result, we come to the conclusion that the axis is a simple metal construction that is present in every car. It is fixed to the front and rear wheels, and it is responsible for the strength and safety of the machine. It is also worth noting that in cars, as a rule, semi axles are more common. This means that such a support is fixed only on one side, and from the other end a wheel is attached to it. This is necessary so that the driver can make sharp turns with greater maneuverability. In turn, the shaft is a support not for the wheels, but for rotating parts that are components of various mechanisms. It is this force of rotation and rotation that the shafts transmit from one part of the running system to the other, which ensures the smooth operation of the machine.

Varieties of car shafts

So, we figured out exactly what functions the car shaft performs, and what it is generally needed for. Now we note that there are a lot of such details in each machine, and they are all divided into different subgroups. Among the most famous types of such we distinguish stepped and smooth, cardan and cranked, shafts-levers, shafts-gears. It happens that the shaft is a torsion bar, which is essentially a flexible part, which, nevertheless, is responsible for the transfer of torque. Such flexible shafts are most often mounted in sports and racing cars to provide greater maneuverability and higher speed. Now consider the main views of this part in more detail.

Cardan shaft - the main element of the chassis

It does not matter which drive your car has - front, rear or full, the motor is located in the bow of the car, and all wheels must move synchronously and smoothly. It was for this purpose that an aggregate called a cardan shaft was developed, which transmits all the twisting moments to the rear wheels of the car. It is located near the gearbox, and the connecting pipe extends up to the rear differential, which in turn is responsible for distributing the load to each of the rear wheels. It is very important that this part always works in a balanced and harmonious way, because otherwise you can not avoid an emergency. Determine the quality of the cardan shaft can be, paying attention to the characteristic vibrations that are heard in the car during the movement.

Units of local traffic balancing

Practically in each car the cardan shaft forward is located, which is responsible for coordination of work of directly front wheels. An important role is played by this part in the event that your car is front-wheel drive, when only the front wheels answer for safety, maneuverability and everything else. The front shaft distributes the load between all the driving elements of the nose of the car, to some extent damages the movement process and synchronizes the operation of the entire valve system and levers. The most famous car in which this part played a particularly important role is the Grand Cherokee SUV. It houses a double cardan joint, which provides greater safety when traveling.

Steering shaft or main control balance

This part is also often called a column that connects the steering wheel of the car and its driving wheel. Most often its design is hinged, which allows maneuvering and more harmoniously to control any machine. Particular attention is paid to this unit in trucks, since in this case it is also responsible for tilting the cab.