So that when driving and driving the machine you do not feel the influence of the drive shafts on the steering, the drive shaft joints must transmit force in all positions of the shock absorbers and the steering wheel perfectly evenly. This is the task of the hinges, which are located one at each end of the drive shafts. In the Audi A4 series we deal with two different types of hinges:
Firstly, the Audi A4 has so-called homokinetic joints (synchronized hinges). Their function is based on the reciprocating movement of six balls along specially ground guides when the hinge is bent. Thus, at any possible angle of inclination of the drive shaft in the car, an absolutely uniform power transmission is carried out. Homokinetic joints fitted in all vehicles with manual transmission and four-cylinder engines, as well as in all quattro vehicles with manual transmission (front and back). In addition, they are installed as external joints in vehicles with automatic transmission and in vehicles with six-cylinder engines.
The so-called tripod is installed as an internal joint, i.e. on the side of the gearbox, on vehicles with automatic transmission (in front- and all-wheel drive, but only in front) and in vehicles with six-cylinder engines (front wheel drive). Instead of six balls, this joint has three needle roller bearings. The advantage of this design: reduced transmission of vibrations from the drive to the body.
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