Transmission

Propeller Shaft

Preface

Contents

This training module introduces the concepts of

propeller shaft. The training module is part of a series
of modules designed for the Transmission Basic
Training.

Introduction

Propeller Shaft

Main components of a propeller shaft

Crosshead

Sleeve and sliding shaft

Main bearing and flange

This module should be studied right after the modules:

General Information, Torque, Gearbox, Power
take-off, and Clutch.
While studying this module, you will have the
opportunity to learn the function of the propeller
shaft for the transmission system, the propeller
shaft main components and functions, as well as
what should be taken into consideration when
replacing a propeller shaft.

Lubrication system for the propeller

shaft components

10

Wheelbase alterations

11

Propeller shaft angle

12

Introduction
A propeller shaft is a component of the power transfer system whose function is to transfer the
driving power from the transmission to final drive.
Propeller shafts are manufactured in different sizes and lengths according to the vehicle model.
The installation of the propeller shaft depends on type of application and maximum allowable
length.
The number of propeller shafts on the vehicle various between 1 and 3 depending on application.
Propeller shaft is also used to transfer the driving power between two rear axles.

Global Training
TP95850

Propeller shaft
The propeller shaft is made of a steel tube strong enough to withstand maximum torque
transferred to rear axle.
A tubular propeller shaft (1) offers greater strength and more elasticity than a solid one (2).
It can be twisted through a considerable angel by the torque applied to it, whereas a solid
propeller shaft easily brakes.

Global Training
TP95850

The length of the propeller shaft varies with the wheelbase of the vehicle.
Long vehicles have a long propeller shaft or in some cases more than one propeller shaft (1).
Vehicles with two driven rear axles also have a propeller shaft (2) between them to transfer
driving power to the rearmost axle.
In vehicles with an auxiliary transmission there is an extra short propeller shaft (3) without
splines. This type of propeller shaft is normally used when there is no movement between the
components where the propeller shaft is used.

Global Training
TP95850

Main components of a propeller shaft

The propeller shaft is basically made up of:
Spider (universal joint) (1): The propeller shaft transfers engine torque to the rear axle through
one or more universal joints.
Sleeve (2) and sliding shaft (3): The splines on the ends at the propeller shaft fit perfectly into the
splines in the sleeve. This allows a length variation between the driving and the driven unit to vary
slightly without damaging the output and input bearings.
Main bearing (4): The main bearing support and guide the propeller shaft.
Flange (5): The flanges connect the propeller shaft to the gearbox.

Global Training
TP95850

Spider (Universal joint)

The cross-shaped inner member of a universal joint is sometimes called a spider. Universal
joints allow for a small variable angle between the axis of the transmissions output shaft and the
axis of the propeller shaft, and between the axis of the propeller shaft and the axis of the input
shaft of the rear axle (1).
The spider (6) ends (3) are called gudgeon. Around the gudgeons there are rollers (4) kept in
place by a cap (5), that allows them to roll freely.
The Circlip (7) fits into the (2) hole in the yoke and lock the cap.

Global Training
TP95850

Tube and sleeve end.

Due to the movement of the rear axle (in relation to gearbox/frame) the distance between the
gearbox and rear axle varies.
To absorb the movement the propeller shafts is connected with sliding splines fastening at the
tube end (2) and sleeve end (1).
The tube end and sleeve end fits perfectly into the sleeve and the coupling slides with little
friction and allows the overall length of the propeller shaft to vary.

Global Training
TP95850

Support bearing
When a vehicle is equipped with more than one propeller shaft, a support (centre) bearing is
used to guide and support the propeller shafts.
Its consists of a ball bearing (1), very often sealed for life located in a rubber cover.
The rubber cover has attachments to allow it to the cross member.

Global Training
TP95850

Lubrication of the propeller shaft.

The propeller shafts sliding splines (1) is to be greased in order to reduce friction in the slide
joint.
Late-model propeller shafts have nylon lining on the sliding splines. The splines are lubricated
during assembly and no further lubrication of the splines is required as long as the tube end and
sleeve ends are intact.
There are channels (2) in the spider to carry grease from the grease nipple to the needle
bearings.

Global Training
TP95850

10

Wheelbase alteration
In case of a wheelbase alteration, one of the existing standard distances should always be
chosen to make it easier to find the propeller shaft length.
The parts catalogue for each vehicle lists the propeller shafts available lengths.

Global Training
TP95850

11

Propeller shaft angle

When installing the propeller shaft in the vehicle, always check that the universal joint angles do
not vary excessively.
The universal joints bearing life is greatly extended when the propeller shaft connecting the
gearbox to the differential is properly angled.
The angles for the propeller shaft flange with which a universal joint works should be as similar
as possible. As a rule, the angles should be as smaller as possible; the greater the angle, the
greater the propeller shaft speed variation.
The angle should be big enough so that the needle bearings are moving around their axles, this
in order to make them operate properly.

Global Training
TP95850

12