The function of the drive shaft is to transfer the engine torque from a gearbox or differential to the wheels. It must also compensate for all variations in angle or length resulting from manoeuvring and deflection for perfect synchronisation between joints. Drive shafts for cars with front wheel drive consist of the outboard fixed joint, the inboard constant velocity joint and the connecting shaft. They also include elements such as the anti-lock system ring and the torsion damper. The basic design of the outboard fixed ball joint, the constant velocity joint, dates from the 1930s.
In most cases the inboard CVJ takes the form of a slip joint to allow the drive shaft to follow the movements of the wheel suspension. At the front axle (leading axle) the outboard joint must transfer the torque effectively through a large angle (up to 52 degrees). At the rear axle the angles of the outboard joints are considerably smaller. Constant velocity drive shafts are exposed to maximum stress all the time that the vehicle is in operation. Alongside the extremely significant displacement angles and translational movement, the joints and bellows must be able to withstand temperatures of between minus 40 and plus 120 °C as well as speeds of up to 2800 rpm. In order to transmit the required torque in all engine speed and velocity ranges with reliable constancy (ideally throughout the entire service life of the vehicle), all components must be maintenance-free.Drive shafts and constant velocity joints are components of modern cars, which demand maximum safety.
Most problems with the drive shaft manifest themselves in the form of knocking noises when driving round tight corners, accelerating, or when the suspension is being compressed and extended. To avoid putting the safety of the vehicle at risk, make an appointment with Car Services in Reading if any of these symptoms occur. Specialists can be relied upon to detect damage to the drive shaft and provide the necessary assistance in good time.
Most problems with the drive shaft manifest themselves in the form of
- Knocking noises when driving round tight corners.
- Accelerating.
- When the suspension is being compressed and extended.
Both brand new replacement drive shafts for passenger vehicles and professionally reconditioned drive shafts are available on the market. When used drive shafts (most of which will have been damaged) are reconditioned, the old parts are taken back from vehicle garages for professional recycling in special production plants in accordance with the standards set for original equipment.
As part of this process, all usable steel parts are reused. The old shafts are inspected, taken apart, cleaned, remained and then put back together for the car repairs market. Other materials resulting from the reconditioning process (old grease, metal chips or worn steel parts, for example) are disposed of in the correct and proper way in accordance with applicable environmental guidelines. Recycling significantly reduces the consumption of both raw materials and energy and makes a significant contribution to active protection of the environment.
Sometimes, the worst part of getting your car fixed is having to bring it to the garage. We are therefore happy to offer our customers a free collection and delivery service If you prearrange a collection, we will pick your car up from your home or place of work and drive it to our premises, carry out all the necessary work (having consulted you) and deliver it back to you at the end of the day.
We are able to tow, jump start or repair your vehicle if you are experiencing problems or broken down for a small fee. If we can't sadly start your vehicle, we can contact a local recovery firm to collect your vehicle for a very competitive price.
- Don't want to waste your day off?
- You don't have the time to take your car in for a service or repairs?
- Have you got problems with getting to and from the garage?
Here at Car Services in Reading, we believe that we offer a valuable product
with our Free Collection and Delivery Service, we can collect either from your place of work or from
your home address. If you are unsure about whether the address you are considering having your vehicle
collected from is not within our range, then please do contact us.
Car Services in Reading operate a fleet of pool cars with a dedicated driver, so wherever we are collecting from, we need to be able to leave one of our pool vehicles either in your work car park / parking space, or if in a residential area, we would need to be able to leave our car either at your house or on the road with a permit if required. We would be grateful if you could bear this in mind when booking to use our free Collection and delivery service