What Are the Types of Universal Transmission Devices?
4 Answers
Universal transmission devices include two types: closed and open. The closed type features a transmission housing that acts as a thrust tube to transmit the longitudinal force of the vehicle, thereby allowing the transmission shaft housing to function as a longitudinal swing arm in the suspension system's guiding mechanism. The open type is structurally simple and lightweight, making it widely used in modern vehicles. The purpose of a universal transmission device is to connect the transmission output shaft and the main reducer input shaft, which are not aligned in a straight line, and to ensure reliable power transmission despite frequent changes in the angle and distance between the two shafts. It mainly consists of universal joints, drive shafts, and intermediate supports.
I've been in the automotive repair field for many years, and there are mainly three common types of universal drive systems. The first is the cross-type universal joint, which has a simple structure consisting of a cross-shaped shaft and bearings. It is used in drive shafts, is inexpensive, but tends to produce vibration and noise during turns. The second is the constant velocity joint (CV joint), commonly used in front-wheel-drive vehicles. It maintains consistent speed during sharp turns, reducing bumpiness. The third is the double universal joint, which combines two cross-type joints and is used in off-road vehicles or large vehicles to provide more flexible drive angles. In daily use, CV joint failures often occur when sand enters after the rubber boot cracks. Regular checks of lubrication and wear levels can prevent unexpected issues. Overall, the choice depends on the vehicle type and usage scenario—for example, sedans prefer CV joints, while older trucks often use cross-type joints.
I used to be a car mechanic and have seen plenty of drivetrain issues. Types of universal joints: The cross-type is the most common, cheap but prone to wear—squeaks when turning the steering wheel; CV joints (ball cage type) are used in front-wheel drive axles, smooth during sharp turns, but will clunk if the boot is damaged; double-cardan joints minimize angle errors and are used in pickups for reinforced power transmission. Experience tells me that cross joints get noisy when lacking grease, while CV joints wear out fast if water gets in. Replacing a CV joint is costly but effective. For maintenance, clean off dirt and apply grease every six months to extend lifespan. When driving over rough roads, listen for changes in noise to roughly identify the problem area—don’t wait until it completely fails before fixing.
The core types of universal transmission devices include the cross-axis type, the ball cage CV joint, and the double-jointed type. The cross-axis type is suitable for straight-line efficiency with small angles but prone to vibration; CV joints provide constant velocity output during turns, reducing tremors; the double-jointed type combines dual axes to minimize errors. Modern vehicles often prioritize CV joints for drive shaft positions. Daily care involves avoiding water or dust erosion of rubber boots and regular inspections to prevent damage.
