Interfaces

CVJ sideshafts are part of the wider vehicle system. To therefore ensure optimum function and performance of the complete driveline, it is important to also understand the interaction of the various sub systems, components and interfaces. Over the years GKN Driveline has developed the relevant understanding and know-how for the optimum sideshaft integration.

Depending on the driveline configuration, there are the following sideshaft interfaces with the vehicle system:

• Inboard - Connection to the differential
• Bearing and brackets - Intermediate shaft support – connection to engine block
• Outboard - Connection to the wheel hub-bearing unit

For the connection to the wheel hub bearing unit the most commonly used feature is a fixed joint with a long stem. This joint is connecting to the wheel hub's inner spline, transmitting power to the wheel and a washer and nut to apply the necessary axial force fixing the sideshaft and providing the required bearing load for good endurance and NVH.

A variant of this solution is the short stem used to reduce system weight and to ease sideshaft assembly at the vehicle assembly line. For this solution a tension bolt is used to fix the sideshaft to the wheel bearing unit und to clamp it.

Most recently, GKN Driveline - in co-operation with a wheel bearing manufacturer - have developed and launched a new interface technology to connect the sideshaft to the wheel bearing unit. In this solution the traditional radial splines are replaced by axial splines positioned at the face of the fixed joint and the face of the wheel hub bearing unit (" face spline"). Like in the short stem solution a tension bolt is used to fix the sideshaft to the hub. This new technology offers several advantages: weight reduction, increased torque capacity, zero backlash and best NVH, modularity for bearing and sideshaft combinations and highest flexibility at vehicle assembly lines.