Drive/Propeller Shafts, Bearings and Joints: Description and Operation

Major Component Description

Fig.1 Sectional View Of 'Powr-Lok' Unit:

Power is transmitted from the gearbox to the final drive unit via a two piece drive shaft (formerly known as 'propeller shaft') which is supported by a center bearing. Isolation from vibration and transmitted harshness is suppressed by rubber mounting of both the center bearing and the connection of the drive shaft to differential drive flange.

The hypoid final drive assembly is available with either a conventional, or a limited slip differential.

The limited slip, 'Power-Lok' unit may be identified by either a tag carrying the legend 'PL' or a label with an 'X', both to be found on the rear cover.

Forged axle shafts (formerly known as 'drive shaft') transmit drive from the differential to the rear wheels, each shaft having to universal joints. The axle shaft acts as an upper suspension link and controls static wheel camber by insertion of apprpriate shims between the final drive unit and axle shaft inner flanges. Each axle shaft is supported at the outer end by preloaded taper roller bearings housed in a cast aluminium hub carrier.