Drive shafts (Audi 100 C4)

In order to ensure that you do not feel any influence of the driving mode on the steering when driving and controlling the car, the drive shaft joints must transmit the torque absolutely uniformly in all positions of the shock absorbers and the steering column. This is the task of the joints located at the ends of the drive shafts. In the Audi-100 model series, we are dealing with two different types of joints:

Some are so-called homokinetic joints (constant velocity joints - CV joints). Their operation is based on six balls, which, when the joint is bent, move in specially ground raceways. This ensures absolutely uniform transmission of torque at any angle of rotation of the drive shaft allowed in the car. Constant velocity joints are installed on all cars with a manual transmission with 4- and 5-cylinder engines, as well as on all all-wheel drive models (in front and behind). On models with automatic transmission and models with a 6-cylinder engine, they are used as outer joints.

On the gearbox side - that is, as internal joints - on vehicles with automatic transmission (front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive - then, however, only at the front) and vehicles with a 6-cylinder engine (front wheel drive) so-called constant velocity joints "Tripod" are installed. Instead of six balls, this joint is equipped with three rollers on needle bearings. The advantage of this design: insignificant transmission of vibrations from the drive to the body.