Of course, the drive of the leading rear wheels on modern high-tech cars with complex multi-link suspension is difficult to compare with those units that were used at the dawn of mechanical engineering. But still, they have something in common and important, which will be discussed further.
The smoothness of shifting (in particular from a start) in rear-wheel drive cars is always softer compared to front-wheel drive ones. This fact is due to the fact that behind the gearbox an elastic coupling is installed, softening the clutch jerks. But this is not the only task assigned to such an important and simple at first glance element of the transmission. The flexible joint ensures the transmission of torque between two shafts located at a slight angle, due to the deformation of the elastic link. The coupling is a pre-compressed hexagonal elastic element, on both sides of which flanges of the driving and driven shafts are attached.
If we take into account that today more and more cars with powerful engines and large output torques are produced, the design of installed modern couplings does not differ much from their ancestors. Of course, the driving manners of the car owner play an important role in the service life of the flexible joint. And the poor condition of roads only brings the time of coupling replacement closer.
When driving onto a curb, "emerging" from a pit, overcoming any other obstacle, the car body moves forward by inertia, and the longitudinal impact is taken by the transmission. In this case, all resistance and load falls, in addition to the wheels, on one of the most pliable elements of the transmission - the driveshaft coupling. At the same time, torque continues to be transmitted through the flexible joint, which only contributes to its destruction.
Many car owners like to feel like drag racers at least sometimes, because there are no legal restrictions on acceleration, unlike the maximum permissible speed. During a sharp start of a rear-wheel drive car and large torque differences on the cardan, critical loads arise that prematurely destroy the elastic coupling. After all, the "power has already gone", and the wheels are not yet rotating as they should. As a result, vibration and dull impacts (but not particularly loud) occur in the gearbox area. As a rule, when shifting to 2, 3, 4 gears. Among the symptoms of destruction of the elastic joint, there may also be a kickback on the gear shift lever.
The German company Wulf Gaertner Autoparts AG, being a specialist in the development of rubber-metal products, produces couplings under the MEYLE brand, characterized by a long service life and excellent technical characteristics. MEYLE elastic couplings are developed taking into account the specifications of car manufacturers, and a specially selected combination of materials by the company's engineers increases the service life. All parameters of the joint, including the properties of synthetic fibers and steel bushings, are subject to high-precision adjustment and are designed for specific car models. The use of high-quality materials makes MEYLE couplings more wear-resistant and reliable.
Operation in cold and humid weather conditions also reduces the service life of couplings. Therefore, the precise selection of materials, taking into account their properties and compatibility with each other, is the main parameter of quality and a decisive factor affecting the stability of the part even in the most difficult conditions. MEYLE couplings are made of high-quality rubber compound, which ensures their high resistance to climatic conditions and temperatures. The rigidity, elasticity and damping properties of the materials used in the production of MEYLE couplings are studied in the company's own laboratory.
To prevent loosening of the steel bushings of the coupling, avoid noise and vibration, MEYLE couplings use synthetic fibers capable of withstanding high loads. This ensures reliable fastening of rubber and metal parts.
Advantages of MEYLE couplings:
· excellent damping and elasticity characteristics
· material made of high-tech synthetic fibers
· high permissible load on the coils
· rubber compounds resistant to severe weather conditions and high temperatures
· components undergo quality control
MEYLE couplings undergo appropriate testing, and their excellent quality is confirmed by tests of EWIS AG (European Materials and Technical Supervision Service).
MEYLE driveshaft couplings are produced for BMW, Opel and Mercedes-Benz cars. In addition, MEYLE supplies repair kits for couplings to the aftermarket. The delivery set contains all necessary fasteners, which allows for timely and inexpensive repairs.
Information about MEYLE new products can be viewed on the individual page of Wulf Gaertner Autoparts AG in the international business catalog.
Prepared by the international marketing agency "AGV-Aftermarket".
