What is a steering universal joint?
Steering system. The steering universal joint coupling, or simply steering u-joint, is a small but important part of the steering system. The top u-joint connects the intermediate shaft to the steering column. The lower u-joint connects the intermediate shaft to the steering rack; see the diagram.
Are steering shafts universal?
Shaft Length Universal steering shafts come in a variety of lengths. However, you may not be able to find the exact shaft you need. These shafts are made to cut to length. So, order a shaft that is a little too long.
Why is a universal joint fitted to the steering column?
Steering U-joints, also known as Carden joints, redirect the rotation of a shaft, but that redirection comes at a price. As you can see in the accompanying chart, the output shaft’s speed can vary greatly throughout a single rotation of the input shaft.
How do you know if you have a bad steering shaft?
When the intermediate steering shaft starts going bad, one of the first symptoms that people usually notice is strange popping or clunking sounds coming from the steering wheel each time they turn it. Anytime you hear any strange sounds like this, you should take your car to the auto body shop to have it checked.
Why do steering shafts have double U-joints?
A double jointed u-joint helps in applications where routing of the steering shaft(s) exceeds a safe 30-35 degrees. This is often seen with big block engine swaps or when the steering gear is mounted in a non-standard configuration.
What kind of U-joint do I need for a steering shaft?
Using a double U-joint allows for up to 70 degrees of angle. A double steering U-joint is usually used in conjunction with a standard single U-joint and a steering shaft support heim joint bearing and frame mounted support bracket for the heim joint.
What are the universal joints for a steering column?
When building a vehicle, it is quite rare that the steering column and steering gear box or rack-and-pinion assembly line up exactly in a straight line. Due to the offset of these components, it is quite common to use a length of steel shaft with special steering universal joints at each end to help connect the column to the steering components.
What are the universal joints for Speedway Motors?
Positioning the column, steering shafts, and u-joints early on with respect to the engine and steering box will ensure that you select the correct parts. Getting the right U-Joint is crucial and no one has a better selection than Speedway Motors.
What kind of U-joints do Summit Racing use?
Replace your worn factory steering U-joint or finish off your custom steering system with top-brand U-joints from Summit Racing! We’ve got steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and chromoly steering shaft universal joints in a variety of sizes and spline counts.