Illustrated Guide to the Mitsubishi 3000GT AWD System

Propeller Shaft Assembly

The propeller shaft is a 3-section, 4-joint assembly with two center bearings. The division into three sections increases the natural vibration frequency for bending. Standard cross-style universal joints are used at the #1, #2, and #4 joints of the propeller shaft. Joint #3 is a slidable Lobro-style universal joint with low sliding-friction in the direction of the shaft. The rear propeller shaft section is a vibration-control-type shaft using rubber and an inner tube inserted in the outer tube. All of these features greatly reduce torque fluctuations, vibration, and noise at all speeds.

The Lobro joint absorbs longitudinal displacement and angle change and prevents the transmission of vibration. It has excellent constant velocity performance, due to the inclination of the ball grooves of the inner and outer races at the same degree in opposite directions. The balls move the inner and outer race grooves to absorb longitudinal or angular changes. The Lobro joint has a smaller sliding resistance in the axial direction than a spline-type slip joint. It is more suitable for high speed operation than other constant velocity joints due to smaller ball play achieved by crossing the ball grooves of the inner and outer races (leading to smaller rotational variations).

The center bearings are of the dual anti-vibration support type that minimize propeller shaft vibration and noise. The first mount in the center bearing reduces vibration transmission to the floor. The second mount at the bearing-to-floor connection reduces the noise level.

Calculations
Overall front = primary  x  front diff
Overall rear = primary  x  transfer  x  rear diff
Final gear reduction ratio = overall reduction ratio  x  gear reduction ratio
Speed in gear (MPH) = [RPM x tire diameter in inches] / [final gear ratio x 336]

  Part 5

---

Back

Home

Forward