Description (page 2 of 2)

The union of these devices, commonly called 'transmission' when allied with the gearbox is composed of:

• Right and left-hand axle shafts;
• constant speed joints - gearbox and wheel sides;
• intermediate shaft.

The high resistance steel axle shafts (6), have grooved ends in order to permit coupling with the constant speed joints (1) and (8). The seating for the flexible rings (2) and (9) is to be found on the constant speed joint and secures the joints themselves.

The constant speed joints are composed of an inner core (1d) called "drive", machined onto the input shaft, and by an outer shell (1a) called "driven", which forms the outgoing element of the shaft.

The inner core has six spherical grooves on its outer surface containing six balls (1b) kept in place by a cage (1c). These balls are the parts which actually transmit the motion and are also located in other grooves on the inner surface of the shell.

The intermediate shaft also has a grooved end and like the axle shafts is made of high resistance steel. It connects, by way of a flange, the differential output with the right-hand axle shaft.

To limit the gap between the attachment points, the intermediate shaft is supported by a seating on the gearbox.

1. Bearing retaining plate
2. Ball bearing
3. Flexible washer
4. Flexible ring securing bearing
5. Bowl for bearing