Driveline Working Angles Measurement: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Suzuki XL7. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special Tool

J 23498-A Driveshaft Inclinometer, or equivalent

J 23498-20 Driveshaft Inclinometer Adapter, or equivalent

NOTE: This measurement procedure is intended to measure U-joints working angles only, not constant velocity (CV) joint or coupler assembly working angles.

NOTE: This procedure is intended to be used for vehicles where the following conditions are met:

Vehicle trim heights are within specification guidelines.
The vehicle exhibits no signs of aftermarket modifications that may affect driveline working angles.
The vehicle exhibits no signs of accident damage which may affect the position of the drive axle, or axles, the propeller shaft support bearing, if equipped, or the transmission or transfer case, if equipped.

Fig 1: Identifying Working Angle Of U-Joint Difference Between Angles Of Shafts
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.

The working angle of a U-joint is formed by the difference between the angles of any 2 shafts that intersect. Propeller shaft systems that have 1 U-joint have 1 working angle; systems with 2 U-joints have 2 working angles, and so on. In a typical 1-piece prop system with 2 U-joints, the working angles are front (1) and rear (2):

The front working angle (1) is formed by the intersection of the transmission or transfer case output shaft and the prop shaft.
The rear working angle (2) is formed by the intersection of the prop shaft and the drive axle pinion.

NOTE: When measuring and evaluating U-joint working angles, observe the following:

No U-joint working angle should be equal to zero. An angle of 0 degrees will cause premature U-joint wear due to a lack of rotation of the needle bearings in the U-joint.
No U-joint working angle should exceed 4 degrees.
Prop systems containing only 1 U-joint: The U-joint working angle should be within the range specified in this procedure.
Prop systems containing 2 or 3 U-joints: The 2 U-joint angles each formed with the prop shaft that contains 2 welded yokes are designed to cancel each other during operation. These 2 working, or cancelling U-joint angles should be equal to each other within the range specified in this procedure provide effective cancellation of the U-joints.
Prop systems containing 3 U-joints: The U-joint angle formed by the prop shaft that contains only 1 welded yoke is an odd, or non-cancelled angle. This working angle should be within the range specified in this procedure.
Always orientate the J 23498-A so that it faces the same side of the vehicle for each measurement taken.

Fig 2: Identifying Prop Shaft Measurement
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Be sure to accurately record the measurements taken on a diagram, similar to the one shown.