The cardan shaft, especially used in cars, trucks, and other vehicles and machinery, is a mechanical component. Its primary purpose is to transmit the power generated by the engine, usually to the rear wheels or to the other axles in a four-wheel-drive system. The cardan shaft is typically used when there is some distance between the engine and the driven axles, providing a flexible connection to bridge this gap.
This shaft typically consists of several sections and has universal joints at both ends. These joints allow the cardan shaft to undergo angular and longitudinal changes during the vehicle's suspension movements, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted connection during power transmission. The flexible nature of the cardan shaft enables it to operate at different angles and heights while the vehicle is on the road, allowing the vehicle to adapt to various road conditions and types of terrain.