Driveshaft (G2298395): Operation

On vehicles with All Wheel Drive (AWD), the driveshaft serves to transmit the drive force generated by the engine to the axles. When the torque appears on the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) output shaft the driveshaft delivers it to the Rear Drive Unit (RDU). The RDU then splits the torque between the left and right halfshafts.

The driveshaft has to withstand different loads due to acceleration, braking and the movement of the different driveline components while driving.

The driveshaft bearing in the middle of the driveshaft supports the weight of the driveshaft to minimize the vibration. The rubber bush allows for small deviations in alignment and also absorbs vibrational forces.

The front section comprises of a center Constant Velocity (CV) joint built into the rear end of the front section. The other half of the CV joint is attached to the spline shaft of the rear section via the driveshaft bearing assembly. The center CV joint has long ball track housing. This design provides the extension needed when the distance between the PTU and the RDU changes so the front section can plunge.

The front CV joint and the Direct Torque Flow (DTF) joint provide the angular compliance of the powertrain at each end of the driveshaft. It means that the PTU and the RDU are free to move if needed while the power transfer is uninterrupted.