Constant Velocity Joints and Their Applications

Various families of constant velocity joints have been developed and applied in mass production vehicles, to overcome limitations imposed by cardan joints in automotive drive line applications.

The special requirements of front wheel, rear wheel and longitudinal drive lines, as well as the different construction principles are specified and analysed.

Furthermore the individual characteristics and features of the main GKN fixed and plunging joints are described.

Forecast vehicle design requirements are identified which led to the development of a new constant velocity joint family.