The drive shaft is a mechanical device that creates a force from the engine to the wheels (known as torque) resulting in the forward movement of the vehicle. The machinery comprises of different parts which are interconnected with each other to deliver power to the wheel. Hence, a safe drive is possible through proper selection of drive shafts from the catalog where you can know the prevailing list.
Drive Shaft acts as an intermediary figure (link) between the wheels and the engine, signaling the vehicle to move ahead. The vehicle undergoes different speeds while commuting, it accelerates on deserted roads and moves slowly during turns. Hence, such a process is controlled by the differential. It is a process that makes it possible for the drive wheels to get into different speeds.
Regarding the speed of drive shafts, mostly, they are balanced between 3,000 and 35000 rpm. It is important to ensure the speed is within the range for overall safety and longevity. Keep it in mind, while you refer https://boodmo.com/catalog/3706-drive_shaft/ to choose one for your vehicle.
The vehicular Drive Shafts are usually made of steel, since it is a perfect choice, given the durability, price, and easy-functioning exercise. They promise to work till the life of your vehicle. They can also be of other materials such as carbon fiber, aluminum, etc. Technically speaking, the drive shaft transfers case to the differential which accordingly implements the command of delivering similar power to the wheels. Hence, the driver controls the vehicle while managing to increase or decrease the speed as desired.
Tips to undergo Drive Shaft Maintenance
In order to ensure maximum performance for the Drive Shaft, it is important to properly lubricate the components of the drive shaft. This is to lessen the possibility of wear and tear, minimize friction along with saving the drivetrain from dangers and damages. Like with any component, regular lubrication ensures maximum performance for a comparably longer duration of time and makes it more reliable as well.
So, if you don’t do proper maintenance of your Dive Shaft, you may report one or all of the following concerns:-
Huge cost goes on maintenance
Proper maintenance of the components is an obvious and simple formula. However, when you get too busy in life and simply neglect your vehicle then you may eventually end up at a greater loss. How? Since you frequently have to install new components in place of worn-out components that cease to function properly.
Increasing loss of power
Improper maintenance can lead to increasing friction and that directly relates to reduced efficiency. Technically speaking, you end up burning more fuel to combat the rising friction, which could have been minimized otherwise.
More chances of wear and tear
Lack of maintenance also leads to wear and tear. The driver may experience premature failure of the drive shaft and if that happens, it will surely burn a hole in the pocket. Since it is a costly affair to repair or replace it altogether. There is also a greater chance of components such as splines, or bearings heating up quickly which may become a safety concern issue too.
Types of lubricants for ensuring proper maintenance of Drive Shaft
Lubricant involving Grease
One of the techniques to properly undergo maintenance of your Car’s Drive Shaft is to use grease-based lubricants. Mixing lithium or calcium soap (as a thickening agent) with oil, the resultant product is actually “grease” which can withstand heavy loads and high temperatures. Being resistant to water and contaminants, it is best applied in areas that are directly exposed to adverse conditions, making it a long-lasting lubrication. The interconnected and interdependent components are lubricated to ensure their easy, effective, and timely functioning with each other. It is semi-solid in nature and is used for the lubrication of bearings, axles, universal joints etc. The components get a layer of protection to lengthen their life while protecting them from rusting too.
Dry Lube
Dry Lube makes use of solid lubricants such as graphite or molybdenum disulfide, unlike traditional greased-based lubricants. Basically, the solid lubricants are suspended in a solvent and as the solvent evaporates, a thin film is intact on the surface. It acts as a medium and reason for maintaining the car’s drive shaft by providing lubrication and reducing friction. However, when compared with grease-based lubricants, they stop slightly short of providing the same level of protection and longevity. They are used in car parts, drivetrain maintenance, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to maintain a drive shaft?
It is important to ensure your drive shaft is lubricated well and is free from dirt and grime. Never compromise on the maintenance part, since timely lubrication or checking the components is important to extend its life. It is preferred that you go for high-temperature grease oil in the critical parts. Proper maintenance makes it cost-effective with fewer cases of wear and tear.
What is the life of a drive shaft?
Usually, a drive shaft should be able to last covering a distance of 12,000 kilometers or 75,000 miles. However, if you are a dutiful and responsible driver with extreme sensitivity and care for the car, get it serviced regularly, and you lengthen its life further.
Can you repair a car drive shaft?
Repairing a drive shaft requires a series of technical skills as well as the selection of the right tools. You need to be properly knowledgeable before trying your hands with a repair. Since a wrong move may damage it further. Hence, it just necessitates you to replace the drive shaft altogether.
Conclusion
Finally, you know the ways to ensure the peak performance of your drive shaft through timely lubricating them. Since greasing creates a film between the surfaces that makes it smooth and improves performance. Greasing the drive shaft is an important exercise and the best way is to grease during the time of changing the oil. In case, you commute through areas that are highly dusty with strong winds making the ambiance absolutely polluted, then it is important to grease the components, the moment you return. This ensures proper release of heat, lessens the possibility of corrosion, and minimizes friction along with dirt contamination.
