Thread: Addressing the Problem with a Worn Prop Shaft

The term Cardan Joint (named after the inventor, Cardano) is variously known as a Hooke's Joint or Universal Joint. Unfortunately, you will find that many posts on the 'net call it a "cardinal joint".

It's called a "Double Cardan" joint. The Yanks also call it a CV joint, although its not a CV joint as we know them. The purpose of the Double Cardan has more to do with oscillations rather than available angles. They are a pretty common part, they're not unique at all. The Discovery 2 just runs a 1300 DC joint, many people swap them out now for one size up which is a 1310 size.

I've read a lot about what people think cause the failure, but my opinion is that the failures begin in that centre bearing, then the uni bearings fail and then the entire joint fails.

Thanks for the pics Roverworks Canberra, which show the damage that can be caused by this common problem if it it not looked after soon enough.

The biggest threat to the double Cardan Joint on a D2 is the aircon drain above it. The constant water feeding into the joint kills it.

Slunnie, a 6" lift doesn't help either. Hope you're well.

Originally Posted by eckolsim

The biggest threat to the double Cardan Joint on a D2 is the aircon drain above it. The constant water feeding into the joint kills it.

I don't subscribe to this theory for two reasons. On mine the water does not drip directly onto it and secondly what about driving in rain and doing river crossings?

Have seen a few v8 d2 ones fail from what I think is the excessive heat from the cat less than 100mm away... I also don't think the a/c evaporator drain position has much to do with it. I place the blame squarely on the lack of serviceability/ greaseability of the joints' components.

Jc

Originally Posted by p38arover

The term Cardan Joint (named after the inventor, Cardano) is variously known as a Hooke's Joint or Universal Joint. Unfortunately, you will find that many posts on the 'net call it a "cardinal joint".

Hi ron. Hope all is well?

The word cardinal can be used to describe the sinful nature of the designer of these at gkn driveline. No grease points is just plain criminal neglect for use in a 4wd. After the publication of those photos from RW Canberra, I suppose we could actually rename them the 'carnage' joint!

Jc

I know them as cardan joints and although different to the ball and cage cv they do produce a constant velocity joint. I think the greater the angle on a universal joint the greater the variation in rotational speed of the shaft the other side of the joint from the driven shaft. Therefore the cardan joint is used to eliminate vibration resulting from the pulsing of rotational speed of universal joints, the greater the angle more that the cardan joint is required.

At over 200km mine had not failed but it was changed as required by the service schedule.