The prop shaft center bearing functions

A prop shaft center bearing is an important component of the type 3 joint propeller shaft. It uses as a coupling hanger. Generally, we can find this center bearing on the propeller shaft used in rear-wheel-drive cars with a long wheelbase.

The prop shaft center bearing has a significant contribution to the durability of the propeller shaft and driving comfort. Not infrequently, when the prop shaft center bearing is damaged, strong and loud vibrations will appear throughout the vehicle body.

Suppose the prop shaft center bearing damage is not severe. In that case, the vibration only occurs at a certain speed, but if the damage is severe, vibrations and noises when the propeller shaft rotates will appear in various vehicle speed conditions.

Actually, what is the function of the prop shaft center bearing on this type 3 joint propeller shaft? This article will share information about the function of the prop shaft center bearing on type 3 joint propeller shafts in vehicles. Check out the info below.

1. As a liaison between the propeller shafts

The prop shaft center bearing's first function on type 3 joint propeller shaft is to connect the two propeller shafts—the center bearing installed in the middle of the two propeller rods.

Yes, the type 3 joint propeller shaft has two propeller shafts: the front and the rear. A pooled connection at the center bearing position will connect the two shafts between the front propeller shaft and the rear propeller shaft. A universal joint limits the end of the propeller shaft connection.

2. Keep the propeller shaft rotation to remain stable and straight

The second prop shaft center bearing function of the type 3 joint propeller shaft keeps the propeller shaft rotation stable and straight. This type 3 joint propeller shaft has an additional angle in the middle, which is right on the universal joint installed behind the center bearing.

The propeller shaft rotation cannot be stable and straight without a center bearing placed in front of the central universal joint. The angle formed in the center universal joint will unbalance the propeller shaft rotation and easily damage it.

The prop shaft center bearing will keep the rotation of the two propeller shafts rotate steadily and straightly so that the center bearing can obtain durability and comfort when this shaft rotates.

3. Reduce the torsional load on the propeller shaft

The next prop shaft center bearing on type 3 joint propeller shaft function reduces the torsional load on the propeller shaft. This type 3 joint propeller shaft is commonly used in cars with a long wheelbase, such as the Ford F150 or RAM 1500.

Cars with long wheelbases will increase the torsional load on the propeller shaft. Suppose the cars use a type 2 joint propeller shaft. In that case, the propeller shaft may break quickly, or the universal joint will be rapidly damaged due to the torsional load that is too heavy.

Therefore, a type 3 joint propeller shaft uses a center bearing to reduce the torsional load faced by the propeller shaft. That way, the center bearing can maintain the propeller shaft's durability and obtain comfort during the longer vehicle's use.

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4. Reduce the vibrations arising from the propeller shaft rotation

The prop shaft center bearing's last function on the type 3 joint propeller shaft is to reduce the vibrations in the propeller shaft rotation. The prop shaft center bearing construction has a rubber bushing around it to tie the outer race to the center bearing bracket.

The function of this rubber is to reduce the vibrations that occur when the propeller shaft rotates. That way, the vibrations that arise due to the rotation of the propeller shaft do not propagate to the vehicle's body so that the car can run more comfortably.