Friday, February 14, 2014
The Description of a CV Joint
CV stands for constant velocity. The CV joints in cars are mean to ensure that power is delivered evenly to the wheels at all times, no matter what position the steering is in or how the car is riding on its suspension. Front wheel drive cars have CV joints on each side of the front half-axles.
The Boot
A CV joint on a car doesnt look like much. The actual joint where the motion occurs is enclosed in a rubber boot, a heavy, flexible rubber covering that encloses the entire joint. The boot serves two primary purposes. It constrains the grease that lubricates the joint that would otherwise drip or spin off the joint and keeps dirt that would make the joint sticky and ineffective out of the mechanism.
Ball Joints
Two types of ball CV joints are available. Fixed ball joints have a core called a "race" where six ball bearings sit. Those bearings are enclosed in a covering called a "cage" that allows them to roll freely. When the joint needs to move, the balls roll in their tracks in the inner race, allowing for the perfect transfer of power from the driveshaft to the wheel. Plunging ball joints operate on a similar principle but allow for more extreme angles.
Tripod Joints
Tripod joints are the other category of CV joints. Some car makers per tripod joints for the inner joints, while ball joints are used for the side of the axle that connects to the wheel. Instead of six points like a ball joint, a tripod joint uses three rolling points to provide its range of motion. These joints also move in and out based on the movement of the suspension.
Bearings
Inside a ball CV joint is a series of ball bearings that are kept lubricated and moving freely by the grease in the boot. Dirt, moisture and dust obstruct smooth motion of the bearings, which allows the joint to transfer power from all of the angles it may be delivered from. Tripod CV joints have rollers instead of ball bearings. These rollers are small and cylindrical and require the same type of enclosed lubrication as ball bearings.
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