The main function of the car's propeller shaft is to transmit torque from the gearbox to the drive axles. Structurally, the cardan shaft consists of the following elements - a shaft, a sliding fork, two crosses, a pair of flange-forks, fastening parts and seals. Quite a simple design that you can assemble yourself.
Instructions
Step 1
There are two options for making cardan shafts - from a pipe or from a bar. Weld the stationary joint yoke to the shaft on one side, and the splined sleeve with a movable sliding fork and joint on the opposite side. The splined joint of the universal joint is designed to ensure a change in its working length during the operation of the suspension. It is worth making a reservation right away that the manufacture of cardan shafts is possible only at specialized enterprises equipped with modern metalworking equipment, and where qualified personnel work. As a rule, such production is organized at enterprises engaged in the production of cars.
Step 2
Start the propeller shaft production process by making a blank, which is a piece of pipe or rod of a certain size. Then process the workpiece on a lathe, where you prepare it for welding.
Step 3
Already during the welding process, check individual parts of the workpiece for drift, that is, deviations from the established characteristics due to the high welding temperature. If deviations occur, heat the part in certain places until it returns to normal.
Step 4
After welding and aligning the pipe (bar) to the workpiece, install the universal joints.
Step 5
After the crosses and flanges are installed, balance the shaft. First, polish the shaft with fine emery paper. During the polishing process, a special machine indicates where the weights need to be installed and what weight. This continues until the shaft starts to rotate without vibration. Then weld the weights to the shaft.
Step 6
An obligatory operation is the application of an anti-corrosion coating to the shaft. If necessary, coat all crosspieces with generous grease.
