A common frustration we hear from equipment users turning to us for assistance is that their universal joints don’t hold up as expected. Low quality or poorly designed universal joints can result in loss of usefulness, partial machine malfunction, or complete universal joint failure. Below are some common bad u joint symptoms production and maintenance associates might encounter:
A common frustration we hear from equipment users turning to us for assistance is that their universal joints don’t hold up as expected. Low quality or poorly designed universal joints can result in loss of usefulness, partial machine malfunction, or complete universal joint failure. Below are some common bad u joint symptoms production and maintenance associates might encounter:
A common universal joint problem is when corrosion occurs. Depending on the level of humidity in the environment, components can erode over time, even without exposure to harsh substances.
Solution: Stainless Steel Universal JointsStainless Steel Universal Joints
Various grades of stainless steel joints can deliver moderate to extreme corrosion resistance. When selecting the appropriate grade, factors such as welding, machinability and strength must be taken into consideration.
Belden works with a wide variety of stainless steel grades
Contamination of the joint components by debris is a frequent cause of mechanical wear. Dust can be trapped between the moving parts and create grooves on the surface over time.
Solution: Protective boot covers and lubrication
Lubrication of the joint can reduce component wear; protective boots can prevent contaminants entering and damaging the joints. Protective boot covers can keep contaminants out in addition to maintaining component lubrication. Proper lubrication can be achieved by pre-lubricating the joint, applying oil drips, or outfitting the joint with lubricant-retaining boots (bellows).
A bad universal joint can produce various sounds such as clunking, squeaking or chirping, vibration, or a rumbling noise. These u joint noises can indicate that the universal joint is worn out or damaged and should be inspected and fixed.
Boot covers keep the joints lubricated and prevents component wear
Pin and block universal joints often used in industrial applications operate with friction between the component surfaces. Without proper lubrication, this friction can generate excessive heat and overheating at higher speeds. Increased abrasive wear between the moving parts can result in backlash over time.
Solution: Proper lubrication helps resolve these issues. Pin and block joints can be outfitted with lubricant retaining boots or kept lubricated by oil drips. Needle-bearing joints (or Belden’s unique ‘hybrid’ pin-and-block needle-bearing joint) can be pre-lubricated and enable continuous operation at high RPM while reducing friction and backlash.
Proper lubrication and using needle-bearing joints reduce heat and friction
Torsional backlash is one of the most common universal joint problems. Heavy loads, shocks, vibrations due to misalignment, and material wear can lead to loose play (backlash) within the bearings which can ultimately lead to joint failure.
Solution: Certain manufacturing processes, such as increasing pin diameter or reducing bore size can reduce the amount of play present. Needle bearing universal joints (or Belden’s hybrid joint as mentioned above) are specifically designed to maintain low backlash for critical positioning at high RPM and continuous operation.
Torsional backlash can be reduced by design modifications or using needle-bearing components
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While any rear wheel drive vehicle can have a universal joint (u-joint), they’re typically found on pickups and SUVs. U-joints connect the driveshaft to the transmission and rear differential, and they allow for a change in the angle of the driveline. This way, the vehicle’s rear axle can move up and down without breaking the driveshaft.
When a u-joint begins to fail, it’s normal to notice clunking during gear shifts, grinding during a turn, or even vibrations at higher speeds. When a vehicle requires a replacement u-joint, it’s often helpful if a service advisor or technician can explain the various possible causes of failure.
Here are the three most common causes of u-joint failures:
Just about everything on a working automobile will fail over time, and the u-joints are no exception. U-joints experience quite a bit of wear and tear, especially on vehicles that go off-road or that tow frequently.
Proper lubrication can greatly extend the lifespan of your vehicle’s u-joints, and u-joints that can be lubricated will have recommended maintenance intervals. However, some u-joints are “closed” or sealed designs that do not allow added lube.
Misalignment of the driveshaft can happen when modifications are made to the rear differential or the transmission’s mounting. Misalignment will create excess vibration that can literally “shake” the u-joint apart, damage seals that reduce lubrication, and ultimately cause the u-joint to fail.
Adding a lift kit or a set of oversized tires can shorten the lifespan of a u-joint. If a vehicle is altered in this way, it’s a good idea to inspect the u-joints and make sure the angles are still within spec.
Sometimes, the bolts holding the u-joints in place – either to the driveshaft or to the transmission or differential – can come loose or fall out completely. This usually happens because of corrosion, excessive jolting or vibration, or because the bolts were not properly torqued into place. A worn or cracking transmission or differential housing can also cause this.
Of course, u-joint failure isn’t limited to these three causes. Over-torquing can cause damage, as can extreme duty (racing, towing more than the recommended payload, aggressive off-roading, etc.). Vehicles with heavily modified engines can also cause u-joint failures.
When it’s time to replace a u-joint, it’s essential to know the cause of the existing u-joints failure. If, for example, a vehicle’s engine or suspension has been modified, replacing the OE u-joint with another OE-spec unit is not going to fix the problem.
Likewise, if the vehicle owner isn’t aware of the importance of u-joint lubrication, they may end up needing another set of u-joints much sooner than expected.
A common universal joint problem is when corrosion occurs. Depending on the level of humidity in the environment, components can erode over time, even without exposure to harsh substances.
Solution: Stainless Steel Universal Joints
Various grades of stainless steel joints can deliver moderate to extreme corrosion resistance. When selecting the appropriate grade, factors such as welding, machinability and strength must be taken into consideration.
Belden works with a wide variety of stainless steel grades
Contamination of the joint components by debris is a frequent cause of mechanical wear. Dust can be trapped between the moving parts and create grooves on the surface over time.
Solution: Protective boot covers and lubrication
Lubrication of the joint can reduce component wear; protective boots can prevent contaminants entering and damaging the joints. Protective boot covers can keep contaminants out in addition to maintaining component lubrication. Proper lubrication can be achieved by pre-lubricating the joint, applying oil drips, or outfitting the joint with lubricant-retaining boots (bellows).
A bad universal joint can produce various sounds such as clunking, squeaking or chirping, vibration, or a rumbling noise. These u joint noises can indicate that the universal joint is worn out or damaged and should be inspected and fixed.
Boot covers keep the joints lubricated and prevents component wear
Pin and block universal joints often used in industrial applications operate with friction between the component surfaces. Without proper lubrication, this friction can generate excessive heat and overheating at higher speeds. Increased abrasive wear between the moving parts can result in backlash over time.
Solution: Proper lubrication helps resolve these issues. Pin and block joints can be outfitted with lubricant retaining boots or kept lubricated by oil drips. Needle-bearing joints (or Belden’s unique ‘hybrid’ pin-and-block needle-bearing joint) can be pre-lubricated and enable continuous operation at high RPM while reducing friction and backlash.
Proper lubrication and using needle-bearing joints reduce heat and friction
Torsional backlash is one of the most common universal joint problems. Heavy loads, shocks, vibrations due to misalignment, and material wear can lead to loose play (backlash) within the bearings which can ultimately lead to joint failure.
The company is the world’s best Differences between single, double and telescopic joints supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
Solution: Certain manufacturing processes, such as increasing pin diameter or reducing bore size can reduce the amount of play present. Needle bearing universal joints (or Belden’s hybrid joint as mentioned above) are specifically designed to maintain low backlash for critical positioning at high RPM and continuous operation.
Torsional backlash can be reduced by design modifications or using needle-bearing components
Catalog Download
Request a Quote
While any rear wheel drive vehicle can have a universal joint (u-joint), they’re typically found on pickups and SUVs. U-joints connect the driveshaft to the transmission and rear differential, and they allow for a change in the angle of the driveline. This way, the vehicle’s rear axle can move up and down without breaking the driveshaft.
When a u-joint begins to fail, it’s normal to notice clunking during gear shifts, grinding during a turn, or even vibrations at higher speeds. When a vehicle requires a replacement u-joint, it’s often helpful if a service advisor or technician can explain the various possible causes of failure.
Here are the three most common causes of u-joint failures:
Just about everything on a working automobile will fail over time, and the u-joints are no exception. U-joints experience quite a bit of wear and tear, especially on vehicles that go off-road or that tow frequently.
Proper lubrication can greatly extend the lifespan of your vehicle’s u-joints, and u-joints that can be lubricated will have recommended maintenance intervals. However, some u-joints are “closed” or sealed designs that do not allow added lube.
Misalignment of the driveshaft can happen when modifications are made to the rear differential or the transmission’s mounting. Misalignment will create excess vibration that can literally “shake” the u-joint apart, damage seals that reduce lubrication, and ultimately cause the u-joint to fail.
Adding a lift kit or a set of oversized tires can shorten the lifespan of a u-joint. If a vehicle is altered in this way, it’s a good idea to inspect the u-joints and make sure the angles are still within spec.
Sometimes, the bolts holding the u-joints in place – either to the driveshaft or to the transmission or differential – can come loose or fall out completely. This usually happens because of corrosion, excessive jolting or vibration, or because the bolts were not properly torqued into place. A worn or cracking transmission or differential housing can also cause this.
Of course, u-joint failure isn’t limited to these three causes. Over-torquing can cause damage, as can extreme duty (racing, towing more than the recommended payload, aggressive off-roading, etc.). Vehicles with heavily modified engines can also cause u-joint failures.
When it’s time to replace a u-joint, it’s essential to know the cause of the existing u-joints failure. If, for example, a vehicle’s engine or suspension has been modified, replacing the OE u-joint with another OE-spec unit is not going to fix the problem.
Likewise, if the vehicle owner isn’t aware of the importance of u-joint lubrication, they may end up needing another set of u-joints much sooner than expected.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Steel Grid Coupling.