How to Align Your Drive Shaft

How to Align Your Drive Shaft

If you drive a car, truck or Jeep then you know the importance of a properly functioning drive shaft. This is the component that transmits power from your engine to the wheels allowing you to move forward and get up to speed on the highway or navigate tough terrain. When a driveshaft is incorrectly aligned it can cause speed oscillations, which could result in expensive repairs or replacements. Fortunately, this article provides some basic tips on calculating proper drive line angles that should help keep you in good shape!

A drive shaft is the part of your vehicle that carries power from the transmission up front to the differential in the rear. In cars with the engine located in the front, the drive shaft is also known as a prop-shaft. The shaft is not only necessary for transferring power from the engine to the wheels, but also allows your steering system to function properly. This is why it is crucial to maintain your drive shaft with routine automotive service and maintenance.

The drive shaft consists of two halves that are joined together by a pair of universal joints. It is important to remember that there are no fixed angles for the u-joints, and they will work best when the operating angle is within the range of six to one-and-a-half degrees. When the angles exceed these limits, it puts the u-joints into unfamiliar and undesirable territory and can lead to premature wear and tear on your entire drive train.

One way to check a driveshaft is to measure the pinion angle of the rearend and compare it to the driveshaft angle. To do this, place the pinion of the rearend on the ground and measure the slope of each end. If the slopes are equal (one positive, one negative), subtract the smaller value from the bigger value. For example, if the pinion is 2 degrees down from the driveshaft, then the calculation would be (2deg-driveshaft angle)/2deg = pinion angle.

There are several ways to fix an improper pinion angle, the most common being to change the rearend shim height. This can be done either by a professional mechanic or an experienced DIYer. However, it is important to note that changing the pinion angle up front will adversely affect your vehicle’s steering geometry. Therefore, most people choose to simply live with the incorrect pinion angle and address it later on in the drivetrain.

In addition to checking the pinion angle, it is also a good idea to check for loose or damaged sleeves. If any sleeve is damaged or showing signs of wear and tear, it should be replaced immediately to avoid dirt penetration and grease loss. This will help to prevent damage to the shaft and the u-joint. In addition to this, it is important to have the u-joints serviced by a certified specialist. The specialist will ensure that the u-joints are working in their proper alignment, which will extend their life and prevent premature wear and tear.

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