Replacement of the crosses of the cardan. Car repair

Most motorists are familiar with such an automotive component as a propeller shaft. It is thanks to the cardan transmission that the wheels can rotate. Speaking more correctly, this is the mechanism that serves as the transmitter of torque from the power unit to the gearbox on the front or rear axle. The arrangement of the propeller shaft is very simple, if not primitive. The design of this element has not changed for about 100 years. Repair of cardans is also carried out according to the same scheme.

How is the mechanism arranged?

The mechanism includes several details. So, it's directly the shaft itself, the fasteners, as well as the crosspiece, suspension bearing and other elements, depending on which car is designed for.

It can consist of two, three or more sections. The geometric characteristics depend on the model of the car.

Principle of operation

It's very, very simple. All the work of the shaft on the transmission of torque is carried out by means of articulated joints. Thus, the energy of rotation can be transmitted from the transmission shaft to the bridges, if the shafts are in different planes. The joints are the joints. It is thanks to them that rotation occurs at varying angles. This part often fails and needs repair. Replacement of the crosses of the cardan is necessary if the angle of rotation is more than 20 degrees. The part undergoes enormous loads and wears out very quickly. As a result, the shaft loses its balance, knocks and vibrates.

The replacement operation is quite simple, and the shaft itself is one of the most repairable mechanisms in the car. Remove this design is very simple. Repair consists in the installation of new components.

Replacement of the crosses of the cardan: how to understand that it's time?

This component is considered one of the main parts of the design. It is her responsibility to transfer the energy of rotation from the source to the working mechanism of bridges. If the cross is only slightly worn, the shaft can no longer effectively solve its problems.

In this situation, there is a serious risk of breakdowns and other knots in the car. Also the broken part significantly lowers the safety of movement in such a car.

So, the replacement of the crosses of the cardan is required, if from the bottom of the car you hear characteristic ringing metal knocking, various knocking, appreciable vibrations in the running systems. Also, the diagnosis can be made by intermittent whistling sounds when the engine is running at low revs. If you drive the car on the flyover, lift the elevator, you can see a tangible gap. If you hear a knock, when you press or release the accelerator pedal, it is also a signal for an early replacement.

Simple solutions

Often, the recovery operation is carried out very quickly. For example, if you hear outsiders knocking when starting, switching gears, speed dials, then, most likely, you just need to tighten the threaded connections where the flange is connected to the cardan shaft coupling.

Repair of cardans in this case is a thread drawing. This is often more than enough. If the knocking is still audible, then the reason is different. One option is a gap in the splined shaft connection or in the needle bearing of the crosspiece. If in the first variant it is enough to replace damaged elements, then in the second one everything is solved by installing a new mechanism.

Replacing the crosses of the cardan will not cause any difficulties even for novice motorists. The whole tool for this operation is in the garage for everyone.

Required toolset

The whole work consists of several stages. Also you need a set of locks, a hammer and a chisel of the appropriate size, end heads depending on the car model, a set of screwdrivers, a tool for removing the retaining rings, a brush for cleaning metal products, pliers, a syringe and grease for cardans and crosses.

When everything is in stock, get a repair kit for your shaft. It already includes necessary parts.

These are the crossings themselves, the barrels, and a large number of retaining rings. Also, purchase the appropriate bolts and nuts.

It's best to do this job on a pit, overpass or lift. But you can and without all this, but lying under the car is not too convenient. It will not be superfluous to invite an assistant. So everything will turn out much faster.

The replacement process

So, the first stage is preparatory work. By this time you should already collect and buy everything.

So, the frog of the cardan (the price for the model VAZ) in any car dealer will cost only 500 rubles. Further - dismantling works. Here, the shaft and crossings are removed.

Before dismantling, it should be noted where the forks are located. To do this, you have prepared a hammer with a chisel. These actions will then allow you to significantly simplify the task at the assembly stage. If you do not make these marks, then an inaccurate installation is possible. This threatens the appearance of beats and vibrations. Of course, this happens rarely, however, so that in the future there are no problems, take the above advice into account.

Shoot the shaft

You can remove the shaft in several ways. So, it is possible to detach the rear part with the locating wrench, and then remove the bolts holding the intermediate support and the elastic clutch. Now you can easily remove the shaft.

The second option is even simpler. To do this, use a screwdriver. With the help of the tool, unbend the cradles of the casing attachment on the protective cuff. Further, the shaft can be easily and conveniently pulled out from the flange.

How to remove the cross?

Here is the cardan and removed. Now we remove the cross. To begin with, the locking rings are removed, then the cardan turns so that the part is at the top. So it's more convenient to dismantle it. The mandrel and hammer will help you. Knock out the bowl of the cross, but not much. Knock it gently. Only the cup starts to move, you can pull it out with the forceps.

Perform the same operation for the second bowl. It is necessary to clean the cardan from dirt and grease. It is also recommended to clean the seats under the lock rings. Everything, the old part can be thrown away. Repair of the crosses of the cardan is not provided.

Installation

This process is recommended to begin with removing the cuff from one spike and then. Work very carefully and carefully. Every detail should be greased. Old fasteners should be replaced with a new one. When installing, make sure that there is no distortion. This is fraught with additional expenditure of finances and forces.

How to service the mechanism: grease for crosses and cardans

As for lubricants, professionals advise using lubricant No. 158 or any available analogue of this product for this purpose. Earlier, the mechanisms were equipped with oil lubricants. Perhaps in new products they too are. In the frogs, the lubricant must also be in large quantities.

Also, for long and reliable operation, it is recommended that the splined movable connection is abundantly smeared.

Replacement of the VAZ cardan cross. How to choose a quality part?

These cars are front-wheel drive, but the process of dismantling, replacement and subsequent assembly is no different from the above scheme.

When buying this spare part you can run into unscrupulous sellers or to a production marriage.

The mirror will help you in choosing. Put it on a firm and level surface, and put the cross on top. Keep your fingers on the opposite ends of the part, swing it. If no play is found, then check the other side. Such a detail is 100% quality.