Cardan transmission — design description (BMW X5 E53)

The cardan transmission consists of two tubular shafts. The front shaft (2, Fig. 10.23) the 774 mm long driveshaft connects the front axle gearbox to the transfer case by means of an elastic coupling (1), the 1,277 mm long rear propeller shaft consists of two sections – front (5) and rear (8), and connects the transfer case to the main gear pinion by means of a CV joint (9). The shaft sections are connected to each other by means of a cardan joint (7). The rear section of the propeller shaft is attached to the body bottom by means of an intermediate support (6) mounted on a bearing. The connection of the propeller shafts on the intermediate support is made rigidly (with a bolt).



Bending angles of the elastic coupling and CV joints of the cardan transmission.

Car with manual transmission

• bending angle of the elastic coupling: from -0° 18' to +0° 42';
• bending angle of the middle cardan joint from -1° 7' to -0° 7';
• rear CV joint bending angle from +1° 37' to +2° 37';

Car with automatic transmission

• bending angle of the elastic coupling: from -0° 16' to +0° 44';
• bending angle of the middle cardan joint from -1°7' to -0° 7';
• rear CV joint bending angle from +1° 35' to +2° 35';

The design of the cardan shaft for the front wheel drive is shown in Figure 10.24, and for the rear wheels – in Figure 10.25.