The driveshaft is a steel tubular or aluminum shaft which is used to transfer the torque from the engine, through the transmission output shaft, to the differential in the axle, which in turn transmits torque to the wheels.
The splined slip yoke and transmission output shaft permit the driveshaft to move forward and rearward as the axle moves up and down. This provides smooth performance during vehicle operation.
The front driveshaft connects the power flow from the transfer case to the front drive axle.
Some vehicles may be equipped with a Double Cardan type driveshaft. This driveshaft incorporates 2 U-joints, a centering socket yoke and a center slip at the transfer case end of each shaft. A single U-joint is used at the axle end of the shaft.
The Constant Velocity (CV) type U-joint allows the driveline angle to be adjusted according to the up-and-down movement of the vehicle without disturbing the power flow. The CV U-joint is composed of an outer bearing retainer and flange, spring, cap, circlip, inner bearing assembly and wire ring. The inner bearing assembly is composed of a bearing cage, 6 ball bearings and an inner race.
The driveshafts used on Navajo, B Series Pick-up and MPV may utilize any of 3 types of U-joint. They are as follows: