U-Joint Angles Phasing & Driveline Balance - Monaco DIPLOMAT 2004 Owner's Manual

Correct U-joint working angles U-joint phasing, and driveline balance is vital
to maintaining a quiet-running drivetrain and long life of drivetrain components
(including driveline components).
When in phase, the slip yoke lugs (ears) and tube yoke lugs (ears) are in line.
Normally this is the ideal condition and gives the smoothest running shaft. There
may be an alignment arrow stamped on the slip yoke and on the tube shaft to
assure proper phasing when assembling these components. If there are no
alignment marks, they should be added before disassembly of the shaft to assure
proper reassembly.
Phasing is relatively simple on a two-joint set, be sure that the slip yoke lugs
and the tube yoke lugs are in line.
The U-Joint working angle is the angle formed by the intersection of the
driveshaft centerline and the extended centerline of the shaft of any component to
which the U-joint connects. Because the double oscillating motion of a U-joint
that connects angled shafts causes a fluctuating speed difference between the
shafts, the effect created by the U-joint at one end of the shaft must cancel the
effect created by the U-joint at the other end. This is done by making U-joint
working angles at both ends of the driveshaft approximately equal, with the
U-joints in phase. If the yoke lugs at both ends of the shaft are lying in the same
plane (a plane which bisects the shaft lengthwise), the U-joints will be in phase.
Any condition which allows excessive movement of a driveshaft will cause
driveline imbalance: loose end yoke nuts, loose U-joint bearing cap retaining
capscrews, worn U-joint trunnions, bearings and worn slip-joint splines.
Among the most common causes of U-joint and slip joint damage is lack of
lubrication. To keep the motorhome operating smoothly and economically, the
driveline must be carefully checked and lubricated at regular intervals.
Slip Yoke
CHASSIS INFORMATION
Tube Yoke
090337
DIPLOMAT 2004
U-Joint Angles
Phasing &
Driveline Balance
090336
10 • 391