Constant Velocity Universal Joints (CVJ) for Propeller Shafts

The demand for reducing noise levels in today's vehicles has increased. This is especially true for four wheel drive vehicles that have complex drivetrain systems. To date, Cardan Joints (CJ) are the most commonly used joints in four wheel drive vehicle propeller shaft applications. CJ's have many NVH concerns, even when the driven and driving angles are equal.

Constant velocity joints (CVJ) can solve many NVH concerns, and provide better performance in propeller shaft applications. Since the rise of vehicle ride standards; CVJ's have been replacing Cardan Joints (CJ's) used in propeller shaft applications.

This paper compares some of the features and functional test results of CJ's and CVJ's as they apply to propeller shaft applications.