Drive shafts (Audi A4 B5)

In order for you to not feel the influence of the drive shafts on the steering when driving and controlling the car, the drive shaft joints must transmit the force in all positions of the shock absorbers and the steering wheel completely evenly. This is the task of the joints, which are located one at each end of the drive shafts. In the Audi A4 series, we are dealing with two different types of joints:

Firstly, the Audi A4 has so-called homokinetic joints (synchronized joints). Their function is based on the reciprocating movement of six balls along specially ground guides when the joint bends. Thus, at any possible angle of inclination of the drive shaft in the car, absolutely uniform force transmission is achieved. Homokinetic joints are installed in all cars with a manual transmission and with a four-cylinder engine, as well as in all quattro cars with a manual transmission (in front and behind). In addition, they are installed as outer joints in cars with automatic transmission and in cars with six-cylinder engines.

The so-called tripod is installed as an internal joint, i.e. on the gearbox side, on cars with an automatic transmission (in front- and all-wheel drive, but only in the front) and in cars with six-cylinder engines (with front wheel drive). Instead of six balls, this joint has three rollers on needle roller bearings. The advantage of this design is reduced transmission of vibrations from the drive to the body.

(The full version is posted on the resource «audimanual»)