When referring to the 'Cardan Shaft' on a DMU it commonly indicated the second
shaft that connects the transmission to the final drive. However is is just one
of several fitted, each is dealt with here.
The drive from the engine / fluid coupling to the driving axle was transmitted
by means of two propeller shafts as follows:
First shaft from the fluid coupling to the
gearbox Second shaft from the gearbox to the driving
axle
The first shaft incorporated the freewheel
mechanism and, on early cars, was fitted with two types of universal joint, the
one at the engine end being of the plain bearing type, the other end being the
needle roller bearing type. On later
cars both universal joints were of the needle roller type.
The second shaft had a sliding universal joint at one end and both joints were
of the needle roller bearing type.
On early cars the drive from the engine to the radiator fan was via two shafts
as follows:
First shaft from the engine to the relay bracket
Second shaft from the relay bracket to the fan
On late cars only one shaft was fitted between the right angle fan drive and the
fan.
All shafts between the engine and the fan have a sliding universal joint at one
end, the joints being of the needle roller bearing type.
The dimensions and types of the cardan shafts used can be
found here.
