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Driveshaft Facts

Glossary of Common Driveshaft Terms

Can I make my driveshaft stronger?

Yes. There are several ways to make a driveshaft stronger.
  • Increase tubing diameter. Bigger tube OD = stronger driveshaft.
  • Increase tubing wall thickness.
  • Increase U-Joint size.
  • Switch from greasable to non-greasable U-Joints.
  Call one of our driveshaft experts if you need help determining how to make your driveshaft stronger.
Yes. You can upgrade to an aluminum driveshaft. Aluminum driveshafts weigh approximately 30 to 40% less than steel. The lighter aluminum material allows for longer driveshafts since there is less mass in the center of the tube to whip at high speeds.
Conversion U-Joints are used when you need different caps on each side of the ujoint. For example, if your driveshaft is 1330 series but your rear end yoke is 1350 series. Action Machine offers conversion U-Joints that have 1350 Series on two caps and 1330 Series. When measuring a Conversion U-Joint, be sure to measure across the the U-Joint in both directions (with the caps on and fully compressed) and measure all 4 cap diameters. Also note which sides our outside clip and which are inside. Refer to our easy-to-follow U-Joint Measuring Guide to for more information on how to measure U-Joints or call us for help.
Yes. This is common if the transmission or rear end has been modified. If you think that you have 2 different sizes on the same U-Joint, you might have a conversion U-Joint. Refer to our U-Joint Identification Guide to determine what you have.
Yes. To shorten a driveshaft, we remove one weld yoke, cut the tube to length, re-weld the yoke and then balance the driveshaft. To lengthen a driveshaft, both yokes are removed, new tube is installed then welded and finally the driveshaft is balanced. Either option will save you at least 50% versus the cost of purchasing a complete new shaft. All you have to do is ship the shaft to us and we will handle the rest!
 Cause Solutions
Wrong U-Joint Size Inspect driveshaft, rear end and transmission yokes for U-Joint sizes. Use the How to Measure Guides to help you.
Improper Lubrication Make sure that all 4 caps on U-Joint accept grease. Also be sure to follow the proper greasing frequency guidelines. Generally,…
Improper Installation
 Inspect snap rings to be sure they are properly seated. Check U Bolts and strap kits. Over-torquing U-Bolts will crush the caps and not allow the roller bearings to operate properly.
Worn Yokes
U-Joints caps should have a tight fit in the yoke. They should not spin.
Excessive Torque
Improper Phasing Most driveshafts are built with the yokes at each end of the tube aligned in the same position. If the transmission yoke ear faces the side and the rear end yoke ear faces up, then the driveshaft could be phased wrong. Multi Piece driveshafts usually have all yokes aligned for best operation. Rephase driveshaft and balance.
Driveshaft too long or too heavy Change to a 2 Piece or aluminum driveshaft.
Driving conditions too extreme for driveshaft Increase driveshaft strength. See how to make your driveshaft stronger.
U-Joint quality too low for application Off Shore / Generic U-Joints should be replaced with Heavy Duty U-Joints.
Improper Driveline Angles For most cars and trucks without a CV joint, try to maintain U-Joint operating angles at between .5 and 3 degrees max.
Causes
Solutions
Driveshaft out of Phase
Most driveshafts are built with the yokes at each end of the tube aligned in the same position. If the transmission yoke ear faces the side and the rear end yoke ear faces up, then the driveshaft could be phased wrong. Multi Piece driveshafts usually have all yokes aligned for best operation. Rephase driveshaft and balance.
Worn or Broken U-Joint
Check for movement. Check U-Joint trunions (ends) for any uneven wear.
Wrong Size U-Joints
Check OEM specs. Use Measuring Guides to check driveshaft and yokes for proper fit.
Driveshaft too Long
Call us to review your set up. Solution could be to install 2 Piece driveshaft.
Worn Slip Yoke or Spline
Slip yoke and spline should have very little torsional rotation. Also, the slip yoke should move smoothly and evenly over the spline. The coating on the spline, if it has it, should fully cover the spline. If worn, we can help by replacing the slip, spline (or both if required) and then balancing the driveshaft.
Lack of Grease
Where applicable, make sure that ALL U-Joint caps and slip yoke accept grease. Follow lube interval recommendations.
Driveshaft not straight or out of balance
In most cases, straightening and balancing will solve this problem. Worst case scenario is that the driveshaft tube would have to be replaced.
Balance weight fell off.
Balance driveshaft.
Torsional and/or inertial excitation
Straighten tube and balance driveshaft.
Modified Vehicle Sometimes things like lifting a truck swapping out a rear end can lead to vibrations – and it is all about the ujoint angles.  If the ujoint angles are changed from stock, you may now have uneven ujoints at the front and rear of the shaft.  You may need to shim the carrier bearing  on your 2 piece shaft or shim the axle to bring the axle nose up or down.
Cause
Solution
Driveshaft too Long
Bigger tubing OD is stronger so upsize tubing. For example go from 3 to 3.5″ OD tubing.  Another option is to switch from a steel to aluminum driveshaft.  Driveshaft weight and RPM can cause them to flex up and down like a jump rope as they spin faster and faster. The lighter aluminum shaft has less mass in the center compared to the same length of steel driveshaft – therefore the aluminum shaft does not flex like the steel shaft and runs smoother.  Final option if there are no other options is to install 2 Piece driveshaft.
Driveshaft not Straight or out of Balance
Straighten and balance driveshaft.
Lack of Lubrication
Car and pick up truck greasable ujoints should be greased every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.  Be sure grease purges out of all 4 caps.  Slip yokes on 2 piece drivesahfts should be greased at least once per year.  Inadequate lubrication leads to component failure and vibrations. 
 Cause Solution
Driveshaft too Long Install 2 Piece driveshaft.
Driveshaft not Straight or out of Balance Straighten and balance driveshaft.
Lack of Lubrication
Grease U-Joints and slip yoke as needed.
There are a lot of variables when dealing with an angle problem. Ideally your transmission and pinion should be parallel to each other in both the top and side views. The front and rear ujoint should have the same ujoint angle within 1 degree. Avoid any ujoint having more than 3 degrees of operating angle. Call us with any questions.
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