Question 1

A drive shaft rotates at six to eight times the speed of the car's tires.

Accepted Answer

The drive shaft's rotational speed is directly proportional to the vehicle's speed and gear ratio, not necessarily six to eight times faster than the tires. It varies depending on the gear the vehicle is in and the design of the vehicle's drivetrain.

Question 2

The typical front-engine, front-wheel drive system has _____ joint(s).

Accepted Answer

Front-wheel drive systems typically use CV joints instead of Universal joints. CV joints allow for a greater range of motion, making them better suited for the constant movement required in front-wheel drive systems.

Question 3

Technician A says most drive shafts have a slip yoke and three universal joints. Technician B says a drive shaft may vibrate if the balance pads are missing off of the tube. Who is correct?

Accepted Answer

Most drive shafts typically have a slip yoke and two universal joints, not three. Technician B is correct that a drive shaft may vibrate if the balance pads are missing, as these pads are crucial for maintaining balance and smooth operation.

Question 4

Drive shafts have a slip joint at one end of the drive shaft which permits the effective length of the drive shaft to change.

Accepted Answer

The slip joint allows for the effective length of the drive shaft to change, which can help accommodate for suspension movement and prevent binding or damage to the drive shaft.

Question 5

In normal automotive terms, suspension spring compression is called jounce, while the expansion of the suspension spring is called _____.

Accepted Answer

The correct term for the expansion of the suspension spring is rebound.

Question 6

The _____ is an assembly of one or two Universal joints connected to a shaft or tube used to transmit power from the transmission to the differential.

Accepted Answer

The assembly described is specifically called the drive shaft, which is responsible for transmitting power from the transmission to the differential. The other choices - driveline, crankshaft, and slip yoke - may be related to the drivetrain but are not specifically part of the assembly described.

Question 7

Four-wheel drive vehicles use two drive shafts, one to drive the front wheels and the other to drive the rear wheels.

Accepted Answer

Four-wheel drive vehicles do use two drive shafts, one to drive the front wheels and the other to drive the rear wheels, allowing power to be distributed evenly to all four wheels for better traction and control.

Question 8

A double Cardan Universal joint is comprised of three Cardan joints joined together by a yoke.

Accepted Answer

A double Cardan joint is comprised of two Cardan joints connected by an intermediate shaft, not three Cardan joints joined by a yoke.

Question 9

What term describes the rotational speed at which an object begins to vibrate as it turns?

Accepted Answer

The term that describes the rotational speed at which an object begins to vibrate as it turns is referred to as the critical speed. At the critical speed, the centrifugal force acting on elements of the object equals the elastic force holding them together, causing resonance and vibration.

Question 10

Most drive shafts in a front-engine, rear-wheel drive car have at least _____.

Accepted Answer

Most drive shafts in a front-engine, rear-wheel drive car have at least two universal joints. This allows them to flex and move with the suspension as the car drives over bumps and dips in the road. Having two universal joints also helps to cancel out any vibrations that may occur in the drive shaft.

Question 11

The drive shaft has a natural vibration frequency.

Accepted Answer

Like all mechanical components, the drive shaft has a natural frequency at which it will vibrate if subjected to an external force. This frequency can be affected by factors such as the length, diameter, and material of the drive shaft.

Question 12

Technician A says that balance pads should be checked when checking U-joints because they are sometimes missing. Technician B says that this is not necessary because the balance pads are firmly adhered. Who is correct?

Accepted Answer

Balance pads are sometimes missing or come loose, which can cause vibrations while driving. Therefore, it is important to check them when inspecting U-joints to prevent any potential problems. Technician B's statement is not entirely true, as balance pads may not always be firmly adhered.

Question 13

The drive shaft is normally made of seamless steel or aluminum tubing with universal joint yokes at each end.

Accepted Answer

The drive shaft is typically made of seamless steel or aluminum tubing with universal joint yokes on either end to allow for movement and flexibility.

Question 14

A two-piece drive shaft is also referred to as a split drive shaft.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. A two-piece drive shaft is made up of two separate sections that are connected by a center support bearing, and it is sometimes called a split drive shaft.

Question 15

A drive shaft must smoothly transfer torque while rotating, changing length, and moving up and down.

Accepted Answer

A drive shaft is designed to transfer torque from the engine to the wheels while allowing for the natural movement of the suspension and drivetrain components. This requires it to be able to rotate, change length, and move up and down without causing vibrations or damage to the components.

Question 16

Common causes of driveline vibration are bad CV joints.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Common causes of driveline vibration are bad...

Question 17

The short drive shafts or axles used on front-wheel drive (FWD), four-wheel drive (4WD), and rear-wheel drive (RWD) with independent rear suspension are called _____.

Accepted Answer

The correct term for short drive shafts or axles used on FWD, 4WD, and RWD with independent rear suspension is "half shafts".

Question 18

The basic purpose of the universal joint is to allow the _____.

Accepted Answer

The universal joint allows the drive angle between two parts of the drive train to change, which is needed in applications where the drive shaft is not in a straight line with the drive train. It does not affect the drive shaft length, provide support at the middle, or make the shaft easier to remove or install.

Question 19

_____ is a synthetic oil with magnetic particles, such as iron, suspended in it.

Accepted Answer

MR fluid stands for magnetorheological fluid, which is a type of synthetic oil that contains suspended magnetic particles. This fluid is commonly used in dampers and shock absorbers in vehicles to provide adjustable and responsive control over the suspension system.

Question 20

The most common drive shaft arrangement is called the torque tube design.

Accepted Answer

The most common drive shaft arrangement is called the Hotchkiss drive, which uses a simple setup with a drive shaft, universal joints, and rear differential, unlike the torque tube design that encases the drive shaft within a rigid tube.

Quiz 6: Drive Shafts and Universal Joints Servicing Drive Shafts and Universal Joints