universal joints on steering column

[steeringman]

story!

when sizing a uni-joint do you need to take loads and forces into account? because all the catalogues only require overall dimensions etc.

all queries are mucho appreciato!

[W1N3I]

No that's not necessary. U-joints are always infinitely stiff in every situation!
Sorry, I could just not help myself.

Have you heard of shearing or bearing stress?

[Mazur]

I went to Ace Hardware and their hardware section only specified dimensions for their bolts. Does that man I don't need to take loads into account and just use what fits?



Man I feel like a dick. Probably why some of my friends call me Dick for short http://fsae.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif.

[FloWeh]

Just one tip: be carful with universal joints and where you use them, and at what angle. You might loose a lot of torque at angles arround 30 deg. And just because the military sheet metal like joints (APEX...) are used in race car steering systems doe not mean they will be good in an FSAE car. Without power steering your forces might be very high. A good universal joint with a needle bearing is heavy, but has only little play for a whole season.