{"id":4597,"date":"2019-10-21T15:32:03","date_gmt":"2019-10-21T13:32:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.febi.com\/?p=4597"},"modified":"2019-11-04T14:43:26","modified_gmt":"2019-11-04T12:43:26","slug":"flexible-disc-how-to-exchange","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.febi.com\/en\/flexible-disc-how-to-exchange\/","title":{"rendered":"Flexible Disc: How to Exchange"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The reduction of noise and vibrations is\nimportant when designing a vehicle. This is intended to increase driving\ncomfort and to reduce the forces acting upon the vehicle components. This also\nincludes the drive train.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vehicles equipped with rear-wheel or four-wheel drive transmit\npower from the engine via the transmission to the axles using a propshaft.\nDuring operation, their angle relative to the transmission and final drive\nchanges due to the unevenness in the road surface which is absorbed by the\nvehicle suspension system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there were no joints at each end of the propshaft, the shaft\nwould bend and break. One solution is the flexible propshaft clutch\n(also known as universal joint, rag joint, Giubo, or Doughnut coupling).\nIt is a\nreinforced, flexible rubber disc that connects the gear output flange to the\npropshaft input flange. Some versions, due to high torsional requirements, have\nan additional flexible disc attached to the propshaft output flange which is\nconnected to the final drive flange.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Successfully Absorbs Vibrations<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The flexible disc absorbs the vibrations and the load changes of\nthe drive train. All of the motor’s torque must be transmitted through the\nflexible disc before it reaches the wheels via the drive shaft and differential\naxles. The\ndesign of the flexible disc absorbs the shock and load forces, prevents\ndisturbances in the drive train, and prevents harmful angular misalignment.\nThis reduces noise and vibrations from the drive train.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The flexible disc is heavily stressed, therefore it should be\nchecked at regular maintenance intervals. If wear occurs on the flexible disc,\nthis can lead to various problems, including vibrations and\/or shocks in the\ndrive train which can increase during acceleration. During the inspection, the\nflexible discs should be checked for cracks, missing parts, or distortions. Any\ncracking or bulging indicates a defective flexible disc and replacement should\nfollow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How the Exchange Works<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When replacing a flexible disc, especially a disc that has been\noperated to the destruction limit, inspect the guide bush of the propshaft\ncentering, the fitting surfaces, the pin bores, and the bolt threads. If any\nparts are worn, the shaft may still vibrate after the installation of a new\nflexible disc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When replacing a defective flexible disc, the design and\nconstruction of the replacement part must be observed. A flexible disc is made\nof fabric-reinforced rubber with metal inserts for the connecting bolts which\npass through both sides of the counter flanges to create a very strong, yet\nflexible connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The properties of this component must provide good damping of\ntorque peaks in the drive train and must compensate for radial, axial, and\nangular misalignment. The advantages are the rigidity, the ability to\ncompensate in all directions, and the resistance to torsional loads ensuring a\nlong service life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When replacing the flexible disc(s), pay attention to the marked\nalignment in order to ensure that the disc functions correctly. It is also\nrecommended to replace the fixing screws as suggested by the manufacturer. Make\nsure that all screws are correctly tightened in accordance with the vehicle\nmanufacturer’s specifications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All febi flexible discs are manufactured by the OE supplier SGF<\/a>,\nthe global market leader in the automotive sector. They guarantee maximum reliability,\nsmooth running, and a first-class fit.<\/p>\n