Drive shafts and joints. Purpose, device and types

5.5.3 Constant velocity joints

In case if the thrust from the engine through the gearbox must be transmitted to the rear drive wheels, then the maximum permissible angles of deflection of the universal joint between the rear axle and the engine are sufficient. But what if the car is front-wheel drive and the transmission of traction to the wheels should be carried out even when they are turning? In order to get out of this situation, hinged joints of equal angular velocities are used (CV joint or "grenade" in common terms).

There are several designs of constant-velocity joints, but the most common are the ball joint and the tripod.