Configuration Examples

Propshafts can incorporate cardan joints, flexible couplings or any of GKN Driveline's wide range of high-speed constant velocity joints, connected by steel, aluminium or composite tubes. One , two  and three-piece designs are available with various options for intermediate bearings, slip devices, crash optimisation , vibration damping and plunge capacity.

One-Piece Front Propshaft

This type of propshaft is typically used in 4-wheel drive vehicles – usually light trucks and SUVs – to deliver torque from the transfer case to the front differential. The application of high speed CV joints gives more NVH refinement than a traditional front propshaft with cardan joints only.

One-Piece Aluminium Rear Propshaft

This single piece, lightweight propshaft uses an aluminium tube in order to keep weight to a minimum. The aluminium tube is welded to steel stubshafts using a process specially developed by GKN Driveline. Such propshaft configurations are also available using a composite tube, which in addition to further weight reduction has tuneable torsional and bending properties. Steel versions are also available.

Two-Piece Propshaft

This is the most popular configuration of rear propshaft for rear-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles. It incorporates a bearing and support in the centre and can be designed to include a variety of crash features, including crashable CV joints. The three joints used in this type of propshaft are selected specifically to suit the plunge, angle, NVH and crash requirements of the vehicle.

Three-Piece Propshaft

Increasingly used in sophisticated RWD and AWD vehicles where the highest levels of NVH refinement are required and where the propshaft has to fit within a complex vehicle underbody layout. This propshaft incorporates two bearings and supports for attachment under the vehicle, and four high speed joints. GKN Driveline is one of only a very small number of suppliers able to assemble and balance 3-piece propshafts under mass production conditions.

Crash Optimised Shaft

The crash optimised shaft, an innovation in vehicle safety engineering, embodies predictable progressive fracture behaviour on impact, reducing risk of injury and damage to critical vehicle safety features.

Crash optimisation can be accomplished by designing the propshaft to meet the specific requirements of the customer's application. GKN Driveline is able to offer an unrivalled range of crash features that can meet all requirements from low load/low energy absorption to high load/high energy absorption and anything in between. We have available a number of products and techniques which can be employed. These include crash-optimised CV joints, collapsing tubes, locked splines and telescoping tubes. All of these products are designed to create a more safe and comfortable driving experience. For all of these, we have also developed robust and stable sealing systems to ensure that the joints remain uncontaminated throughout their service life.