What is a universal joint?

Universal joint, or U-Joint, is one of the many names that gives the type of joint design based on a collateral that combines two bars and allows them to bend in virtually in any direction when rotating. Other design names include Cardan Joint, a common term in Europe; now the archaic Hooke's joint; And a hardy joint, named for a few inventors who developed a variant on traditional design. The universal joint is usually used in situations where long shafts rotate in place and transmit strength such as the drive tract of the car. Its application in the transfer of movement, as used in modern vehicles, was not conceived until the mid -16th century by Italian scientist Gerolamo Cardano, for which the joint is still named in Europe. Others subsequently improved the design and by the 19th century several variations patented and remains known in the 21st century.

articulation of the universal joint may bemodeled using thumb and pointers of each hand. First create the letter U with each thumb and forefinger and connect them - but do not touch - perpendicular way, with one set pointing vertically and the other horizontally. Then, as if an imaginary ball was held on four different points, it is possible to imitate the wide range of movement that is universal joint, moving by moving hands side by side and up and down.

In the actual U-klouby, the shape of the U at the end of each rod is formed by expanding the end of each piece of metal, as a trident that is missing the middle tip. These pieces are connected to a disk that has round studs coming out in four same points along its perimeter. The pins are connected to the end of everyone, and the point of articulation for passing becomes.

Although highly universal and effective in a wide range of applications, universal joints suffer from susceptibility to rapid wear. The reason is that they are constantly used whenever the vehicle works. Properly functioning U-kloub should only have a minimumthe amount of excessive movement or to play . In passengers or commercial vehicles, too much game is often indicated by loud sound when transmitting to the device and noticeable vibration at low speeds.

U-klouba failure causes the vehicle to be non-functional, so any unusual sounds coming from under the cabin should be checked as soon as possible by a mechanic. Universal joint replacement is usually not an extremely expensive repair, as the driving mechanisms of the vehicle are easily accessible and spare parts reasonably cheap. In fact, this is considered to be a repair of Do-IT-YourSelf for a mild domestic amateur mechanic, with instructions available on the Internet and in the guide.