5 Types of CV (Constant-Velocity) Joints
Constant velocity joints, also known as CV joints, aid in the process of transferring power from the transmission and driveshaft to the wheels of your vehicle.
More specifically, constant velocity joints make this possible thanks to the variable angle that exists between the driveshaft and the wheels. This way, the rotational speed of the wheels is not affected by the rotational angle joint, as less friction occurs than with a straight joint.
Constant velocity joints are found in virtually all front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive vehicles, as well as newer rear-wheel drive vehicles that use independent rear suspension. So, if you drive a front-wheel drive vehicle, chances are those two front wheels are fitted with constant velocity joints. If you drive a rear-wheel drive vehicle, these joints are located at the rear.
The 5 Types of Constant Velocity Joints
You might think that all CV joints are the same. In fact, there are five main types of constant velocity joints available for your vehicle. There are actually more than five in total, but the joints listed below are the most common. Each type of joint is suited to a specific type of vehicle.
1) Tripod joints and ball joints
Sliding joints can be either tripod joints or ball joints. The former has a spider (also called a tripod) with three cones. It is a self-aligning roller mounted on a needle bearing.
Tripod joints are usually used as internal sliding joints in front-wheel drive vehicles. Ball joints are double offset and have transverse grooves.
2) Rzeppa Joint
An external constant velocity joint commonly used in automobiles. This joint has 6 balls, which reduces the working angle by 50%. Gear teeth do not transmit torque through the joint. What happens is that the balls move against the track. This was one of the first constant velocity joints ever invented. In 1920, an engineer named Alfred H.
3) Inner and Outer Joint
Front-wheel drive vehicles have drivetrains with two constant velocity joints per halfshaft. The constant velocity joints are an inner constant velocity joint and an outer constant velocity joint. The inner constant velocity joint is located near the transmission. The outer constant velocity joint is closer to the wheel.
If you drive a rear-wheel drive vehicle, the inner joint is closer to the differential and the outer joint is closer to the wheels.
4) Fixed/Sliding Joint
Front-wheel drive vehicles have an inner joint called the sliding joint and an outer joint called the fixed joint. The fixed joint usually does most of the work as it helps steer the wheel to different angles.
In rear-wheel drive vehicles, the sliding joint is used more often. The rear wheels have independent suspension and each axle shaft has a plunger joint.
5) Fixed Tripod Joint
Sometimes you will see front wheel drive vehicles where the outer joint is a fixed tripod joint. A pin is attached to the outer housing of the joint. The input shaft has an open tulip on which three different roller bearings rotate. A steel spider locks and holds the joint in place.