Hello; I asked this same question when I was apprenticing to be a mechanic in 1980, the answer I got was that the traditional u-joint will oscillate if forced to run beyond a maximum of 16 degrees of deflection, this oscillation is because the yoke of the joint tries to accelerate and decelerate through its rotation. The explanation came with training aids and a demonstration of the oscillation. The constant velocity referred to is meant to imply that this demonstrated oscillation does not exist. This was also demonstrated to the entire class. It was a lesson that I'll bet no one who was there will ever forget. Another benefit of the CV joint is that it will work at a higher deflection than 16 degrees, I don't remember the exact number. Another little known fact about U-joints is that the deflection at one end should/must equal the deflection at the other end, for the shaft to work smoothly and not wear excessively. Larry Carter |
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