Half shaft
Encyclopedia
The term half shaft is another name for a front-wheel drive shaft, which is also called the constant velocity axle or CV axle. There is one half shaft per wheel. Some may further to this part as a CV shaft.
A half shaft is an automotive term used mainly to describe an axle on a front wheel drive vehicle, connecting the transmission to the driven wheels. When integrated with a transmission, the entire system is known as a Transaxle
. Some rear wheel drive vehicles may also use half shafts, when the differential is rigidly mounted and an independent rear suspension
is used. Corvettes
have used this system ever since switching to an independent rear suspension from a solid axle with the car's 1962 redesign. BMW
is another extensive user of this setup in its vehicles.
If the half shafts are not identical in length, the longer one is generally constructed thinner than the shorter one, or one axle may be solid and the other hollow.
at either end, allowing the driven wheels to maintain constant velocity while the suspension
travels during driving. This design is implemented into many modern front wheel drive cars. Other features such as vibration dampeners and ball joints may be incorporated into a half shaft.
A half shaft is an automotive term used mainly to describe an axle on a front wheel drive vehicle, connecting the transmission to the driven wheels. When integrated with a transmission, the entire system is known as a Transaxle
Transaxle
In the automotive field, a transaxle is a major mechanical component that combines the functionality of the transmission, the differential, and associated components of the driven axle into one integrated assembly....
. Some rear wheel drive vehicles may also use half shafts, when the differential is rigidly mounted and an independent rear suspension
Independent suspension
Independent suspension is a broad term for any automobile suspension system that allows each wheel on the same axle to move vertically independently of each other. This is contrasted with a beam axle, live axle or deDion axle system in which the wheels are linked – movement on one side affects...
is used. Corvettes
Chevrolet Corvette
The Chevrolet Corvette is a sports car by the Chevrolet division of General Motors that has been produced in six generations. The first model, a convertible, was designed by Harley Earl and introduced at the GM Motorama in 1953 as a concept show car. Myron Scott is credited for naming the car after...
have used this system ever since switching to an independent rear suspension from a solid axle with the car's 1962 redesign. BMW
BMW
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG is a German automobile, motorcycle and engine manufacturing company founded in 1916. It also owns and produces the Mini marque, and is the parent company of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. BMW produces motorcycles under BMW Motorrad and Husqvarna brands...
is another extensive user of this setup in its vehicles.
If the half shafts are not identical in length, the longer one is generally constructed thinner than the shorter one, or one axle may be solid and the other hollow.
Design
Half shafts are commonly designed as a hollow metal tube with a CV jointConstant-velocity joint
Constant-velocity joints allow a drive shaft to transmit power through a variable angle, at constant rotational speed, without an appreciable increase in friction or play. They are mainly used in front wheel drive and all wheel drive cars...
at either end, allowing the driven wheels to maintain constant velocity while the suspension
Suspension (vehicle)
Suspension is the term given to the system of springs, shock absorbers and linkages that connects a vehicle to its wheels. Suspension systems serve a dual purpose — contributing to the car's roadholding/handling and braking for good active safety and driving pleasure, and keeping vehicle occupants...
travels during driving. This design is implemented into many modern front wheel drive cars. Other features such as vibration dampeners and ball joints may be incorporated into a half shaft.