Driveshaft

Driveshaft
The source of the drivetrain's power is generated by the engine and delivered to the transmission. The driveline transfers the engine torque through the driveshaft to the axle.
^ On 2-wheel drive vehicles, power is transmitted through the transmission to the driveshaft and then to the rear axle.
^ On all wheel drive (AWD) vehicles, power is transmitted through the transmission and continuously proportioned to the front and rear axles through the transfer case.

The rear driveshaft is connected to the output shaft of the transmission and to the rear axle. The front driveshaft is connected to the transfer case and to the front axle. Universal joints and constant velocity (CV) joints are used at the ends of the driveshaft to allow for angular motions. Slip-yokes and CV joints are used to allow for any changes to the length of the driveshaft. The engine torque enters the axle through the drive pinion, which rotates the ring gear. The ring gear is mounted to the differential case, which contains the gears that transmit power to the rear axle shafts or front halfshafts. These shafts rotate the drive wheels.

Vehicles have these types of driveshafts:
^ One-piece rear driveshaft with 2 universal joints and a front slip-yoke.
^ One-piece front driveshaft with a front universal joint, a slip-yoke and a rear CV joint.
^ Two-piece rear driveshaft with 3 universal joints.
^ Two-piece rear driveshaft with 2 CV joints and one universal joint.

The engine angle is built into the engine mounts. If the engine angle is out of specification, the engine mounts must be inspected for damage.

During undercoating and rustproofing procedures, protect the driveshafts from the coating materials. Foreign materials on the driveshafts can create driveshaft vibrations.