Topic:
Cardan shaft:
The cardan shaft is the (drive) shaft between the gearbox and the differential (cardan) at the rear. A cardan shaft is used with four-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive and is located in the middle under the car, above the exhaust, mounted from front to rear. The cardan shaft is attached to the gearbox and the differential / cardan by means of coupling discs (rubber discs that are also called “Hardydisks” or “Hardyscheibe” and through which the bolts pass). In the middle of the cardan shaft is the support bearing with a universal joint. This support bearing is mounted on the underside of the car body and the bearing ensures that the shaft can rotate free of play. The universal joint ensures that a slight height difference between the gearbox and the cardan is possible (due to the suspension of the engine block in the engine mounts).
If the support bearing is mounted incorrectly (too far to the left or to the right), the cardan shaft will start to move irregularly and cause vibrations. This is because both shafts are then no longer in line, but an angle has been created. It is therefore essential to remount this support bearing in the old position, as straight as possible.
