Detailed Discussion on the Damage of the Drive Shaft Center Support
Source: Bearing Network | Time: 2013-01-16
When a vehicle is in motion and you hear a "whirring" or "humming" sound that increases with speed, it's often an indication of damage to the center support of the drive shaft. This kind of noise typically points to an issue within the central part of the drive shaft system. If, during startup, you hear a "clunking" or "grinding" sound along with a feeling of vibration, it may suggest that the center support is not properly secured, or its fixing bolts are loose or missing. To check for these issues, park the vehicle on a flat surface, shift into neutral, and manually rotate the drive shaft. If there's excessive resistance, inspect the tightening condition of the center support bolt and the alignment of the bearing. If the drive shaft feels loose, examine the hanger bearing and the rubber sleeve. Bearings that lack proper lubrication should be refilled with high-quality grease, while damaged rubber sleeves need to be replaced promptly. The main causes of damage to the drive shaft center support include: 1. Insufficient lubrication leading to bearing wear and eventual failure. 2. Manufacturing defects in the bearing assembly, such as misalignment or improper installation. 3. Loose or improperly tightened fixing bolts. 4. A bent or deformed drive shaft causing imbalance and vibration, which can damage the center support. 5. A loose transmission flange or a damaged drive shaft hanger. 6. Poor quality rubber sleeves or defects in the central support’s internal structure. To properly install and maintain the center support, first secure the support in place, then tighten the bolts gradually without over-tightening. Ensure that when you manually move the drive shaft, there is no jamming and the resistance remains consistent. When adjusting, use padding under the middle and rear wheels, start the engine at low speed, and engage the gear to check the drive shaft movement. After alignment, tighten the bolts to the recommended torque. If the drive shaft is found to be bent or deformed, disassemble it, straighten it, and perform a dynamic balance check. Regular maintenance is essential—frequently inspect the center support bearings and ensure all fasteners are tight. If the center support adapter plate is cracked, replace the entire assembly. Another common issue involves the universal joint cross shaft. Wear on the journal and bearing can cause excessive clearance, leading to shaking and abnormal noises during operation. The acceptable wear limit is usually between 0.02 mm and 0.13 mm, with ideal values around 0.01 mm. Exceeding this range may result in noticeable vibrations and noises. If the cross shaft journal has deep grooves, it should be repaired or replaced. Surface welding and re-machining are possible solutions, followed by heat treatment and grinding to restore the correct shape and roundness. During operation, the cross shaft experiences one-sided wear due to the direction of torque transmission. Over time, this can lead to grooves and squeaking sounds. To extend the service life, the cross shaft can be rotated 90 degrees from its original position. When assembling, ensure that the oil nozzle faces the drive shaft, and the universal joint fork is properly aligned with the cross shaft. Avoid axial gaps and ensure smooth contact surfaces. Regular maintenance, including the application of sufficient grease, is crucial to prevent premature wear of the cross shaft journals and bearings. Proper care and timely repairs can significantly improve the performance and longevity of the drive shaft system.
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