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Giunto universale EP con 4 cuscinetti rotondi lisci e 4 cuscinetti rotondi scanalati

This universal joint series adopts 4 flat round bearings and 4 grooved round bearings, delivering stable transmission performance. It covers diversified dimensional parameters: D ranges from 15mm to 60mm, O from 34.36mm to 67.6mm, L from 38mm to 165mm. Compatible with SPICER, GMB, GKN, PRECISION and other mainstream brands, it has rich part models including 5-2532X, 5-260X, GU series, etc. The product has strong adaptability, reliable structure, and can meet the supporting needs of different transmission scenarios.

Categoria:

Descrizione

EP-U-JOINT WITH 4 PLAIN ROUND BEARINGS AND 4 GROOVED ROUND BEARINGS

The universal joint — also commonly called a U-joint, Cardan joint, or Hardy-Spicer joint — is one of the most mechanically fundamental components in any drivetrain that must transmit rotation between two shafts whose centerlines meet at a variable or fixed angle. The EP-U-JOINT WITH 4 PLAIN ROUND BEARINGS AND 4 GROOVED ROUND BEARINGS covers two distinct bearing cup configurations in a single, well-indexed product series: FIG A (plain round bearing cup, smooth bore) and FIG B (grooved round bearing cup, circumferential oil groove bore). This dual-configuration approach means that buyers sourcing a universal joint replacement for passenger cars, light trucks, heavy commercial vehicles, or agricultural drivelines can locate the correct part within a single catalog reference, dramatically reducing procurement time and the risk of cross-type ordering errors. Each assembly is dimensionally cross-referenced against SPICER, GMB, GKN, and PRECISION standards, making OEM-grade universal joint replacement accessible through a single supplier.

The practical difference between plain and grooved bearing cups matters significantly in real-world operating conditions. Plain round bearing cups rely on pre-packed grease retained by a sealed end cap to lubricate the needle rollers over the service interval. Grooved round bearing cups carry one or more circumferential oil grooves machined into the bore, which distribute and hold grease more evenly around the needle roller path — an advantage under high continuous torque, large working angles, or extended re-greasing intervals.

1. Specifiche tecniche

The table below presents a representative selection of part numbers from the EP-U-JOINT WITH 4 PLAIN ROUND BEARINGS AND 4 GROOVED ROUND BEARINGS series. FIG A = plain round bearing cup (D and L dimensions apply); FIG B = grooved round bearing cup (D and O dimensions apply); FIG A/B = available in both configurations. All dimensions are in millimeters. The O column (outer cap diameter) applies to FIG B types; the L column (overall assembly length) applies to FIG A types. Scroll horizontally on mobile to view all columns without distortion.

FICO PART NO D O L PICCANTE GMB GKN PRECISION
B 5-100X 25.4 38.5 5-100X G5-100X 514
UN 5-101X 23.82 61.3 5-101X GU400 HS150 340
B 5-103X 23.83 35 5-103X G5-103X HS410 338
UN 5-10X 30.188 106.35 5-10X GU2050 HS179 330
UN 5-111X 23.825 61.3 5-111X HS194 ANF
UN 5-113X 27 81.78 5-113X G5-113X HS166 369
B 5-1200X 27 57.4 5-1200X G5-1200X 429
B 5-1201X 27/28.6 55.5 5-1201X G5-1201X 430
B 5-1203X 27 67.6 5-1203X G5-1203X 433
A/B 5-1204X 27/28.6 67.6 92 5-1204X HS268 434
UN 5-12062X 48.05 161 5-12062X
B 5-1206X 30.188 76.28 5-1206X G5-1206X 427
UN 5-12072X 57.05 162.9 5-12072X HS260
UN 5-12100X 45 120.4 5-12100X GU7530
UN 5-121X 27 81.75 5-121X G5-121X
B 5-12213X 38 57.2 5-12213X GU7300
UN 5-12219X 48.05 125.8 5-12219X GU7620 HS272
UN 5-12276X 44.1 149 5-12276X
UN 5-12278X 50 164 5-12278X
UN 5-12924X 52 133 5-12924X GU7560 HS282
UN 5-12932X 57.07 152 5-12932X GU7630 HS289
B 5-1301X 31.3 71.5 5-1301X G5-1301X 304
B 5-1306X 27.4 50.9 5-1306X G5-1306X HS442 315G
B 5-1306X-1 27.4 50.8 5-1306X-1 G5-1306X-1 HS442 317
B 5-1309X 28.6 63.96 5-1309X G5-1309X 316
UN 5-1312X 28.6/28.58 91 60 5-1312X 375
B 5-1312X 28.6/28.58 91 60 5-1312X 375
UN 5-13400X 23.825 61.3 5-111X 341
UN 5-134X 27 92/81.7 5-134X G5-134X 353
B 5-1501X 25.02 40 5-1501X GUN27 HS420 391
B 5-1502X 26 42 5-1502X GUT13 HS432 394
B 5-1503X 25.02 39.8 5-1503X
B 5-1505X 28.02 52.9 5-1505X GUN29 HS448 393
B 5-1506X 38 57.2 5-1506X GU7300 HS480 463
B 5-1508X 26 53.6 5-1508X GUT12 HS436 390
UN 5-1509X 28.52 77.7 5-1509X GUT14 HS172 396
UN 5-1510X 29 49 5-1510X GUT17 HS454 387
B 5-1511X 32 61 5-1511X GUT20 HS470 389
B 5-1514X 22.52 34 5-1514X 385
UN 5-1516X 25.02 76.44 5-1516X GUM88 HS153 399
UN 5-153X 27 81.78 5-153X GU1000 HS166 369
UN 5-155X 34.93 126.22 5-155X GU5-155X HS275 358
UN 5-160X 30.188 106.35 5-160X GU2050 HS179 330
UN 5-165X 41.24 142 5-165X G5-165X HS252 359
B 5-170X 23.83 34.85 5-170X G5-170X HS410 338
UN 5-178X 30.188 92.075 5-178X GU2200 HS182 331
UN 5-188X 34.93 106.31 5-188X GU2300 HS263 351
UN 5-200X 27 81.78 5-200X G5-200X HS166 329
A/B 5-212X 27.02/28.6 60.2 92 5-212X G5-212X 355
UN 5-213X 27 92 5-213X G5-213X 354
A/B 5-248X 25.39/27 38.6 62 5-248X 361
UN 5-251X 27 81.75 5-251X G5-251X HS166 369

automatictransmissionpart-products-EEP-U-Joint With 4 Plan Round Bearings-B-draft

FICO PART NO D O L PICCANTE GMB GKN PRECISION
B 5-2532X 28.6 49 5-2532X 513
B 5-260X 27 52.5 5-260X G5-260X HS162 365
UN 5-263X 34.93 106.31 5-263X G5-263X HS263 351
B 5-273X 27 67.6 5-273X G5-273X 433
UN 5-275X 34.93 126.22 5-275X G5-275X HS275 358
B 5-297X 30.2 52.5 5-297X G5-297X HS457 371
B 5-297X-1 30.2 52.5 5-297X-1 G5-297X-1 HS457 377
B 5-3011X 28.6 59.9 5-3011X HS453 492
A/B 5-3022X 27/28.6 60.2 81.78 5-3022X 372
B 5-3147X 28.6 60.2 5-3147X GU6370 HS451 534G
B 5-350X 27 56.8 5-350X 366
A/B 5-353X 27/27.4 50.8/56.8 5-353X G5-353X 319
UN 5-431X 33.3 67.48 5-431X GGP-44R 888
UN 5-443X 27.01 61.95 5-443X G5-443X HS197 437G
A/B 5-450X 27.01/27 52.5 81.78 5-450X 455
UN 5-4X 27.009 74.6 5-4X GU1100 HS195 344
A/B 5-544X 28.6/27 60 81.4 5-544X 372
B 5-74X 27 52.4 5-74X G5-260X HS441 356
B 5-92X 24.61 34.36 5-92X GGPL-6R HS416 861
UN GU1000 27 81.8 5-153X GU1000 HS166 369
UN GU1100 27.01 74.6 GU1100 HS195 344
UN GU2050 30.188 106.35 5-160X GU2050 HS179 330
UN GU2200 30.188 92.075 5-178X GU2200 HS182 331
UN GU2300 34.93 106.31 5-188X GU2300 HS263 351
B GU2500 31.25 46 5-1300X
UN GU3000 39.69 115.95
UN GU3500 34.93 126.22 GU3500 HS176 370
UN GU3810 50 152.6
UN GU3850 39 127
UN GU4000 47.65 135 GU4000 HS316
UN GU4470 42.12 104.5 U447
UN GU5000 49.2 154.9 GU5000
UN GU7280/4 24.09 74.55
B GU7300 38 57.2 5-1506X U730 HS480
UN GU7420 30 81.8
UN GU7430 35 96.8 U743 HS222
UN GU7440 38.03 105.6 U744 HS236
B GU7470 42 66
UN GU7530 45 120.4 HS260
UN GU7560 52.1 133 U756 HS282
UN GU7610 53 135 U761 HS284
UN GU7620 48.05 125.8 U762 HS272
UN GU7630 57 152 U763 HS289
UN GU7650 48 126 U765
UN GU7670 48.03 115.5 U767
UN GU8130 57 144 U813 HS288
UN U990 57.07 152
UN SPL140-1X 49.22 139
UN SPL170-1X 55 165
UN SPL250-1X 60 163
UN SPL70-1X 34.9 126.1
UN SPL90-1X 41.28 126
UN ST1538 15 38
UN ST1539 15 39

2. Cinque vantaggi chiave del prodotto

1 — Single-Range Coverage for Both Bearing Types

This product series consolidates FIG A (plain) and FIG B (grooved) universal joint bearing configurations into one catalog sequence, allowing workshops in Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, and across Colombia to stock both types under a unified part numbering system. Rather than maintaining separate supplier relationships for each bearing style, buyers access the full dual-bearing universal joint catalog from a single sourcing point. The A/B dual-configuration entries — such as part 5-1204X and 5-1312X — add further flexibility, accommodating both bearing styles within one dimensional specification for applications where either type may be acceptable.

2 — Comprehensive OEM Cross-Reference Data

Every universal joint in this series is cross-referenced against SPICER, GMB, GKN, and PRECISION OEM and aftermarket standards. For automotive parts distributors serving repair shops that maintain a mixed fleet — North American pickups, European sedans, Japanese SUVs, and Korean commercial vans — this comprehensive cross-reference coverage allows parts staff to confirm the correct replacement part number quickly without consulting multiple separate catalogs. The listed cross-references include both the original SPICER 5-series numbering and equivalent GMB, GKN, and PRECISION codes, ensuring compatibility confirmation regardless of which reference the vehicle’s service documentation uses.

3 — Close-Tolerance Manufacture for Reduced NVH

Journal diameter dimensions (D) are held to tight manufacturing tolerances across the entire production batch, ensuring correct needle roller preload and uniform load distribution across all four trunnion arms. An automotive driveline universal joint transmits the full drivetrain torque through a small cross-shaped cross assembly at a continuously varying joint angle — the quality of journal diameter accuracy directly determines the noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) behavior of the assembled driveshaft and how long it operates before fatigue failure. Dimensional precision is treated as the primary quality metric in production of this series, translating to longer replacement intervals and lower maintenance cost per vehicle in service.

4 — Broad Dimensional Range for Multi-Vehicle Coverage

Journal diameters (D) in this range span from approximately 22.52 mm (part 5-1514X) to 57.07 mm (part 5-12932X), with assembled lengths (L) reaching 164 mm in the largest FIG A configuration and outer cap diameters (O) extending to 91 mm in the larger FIG B universal joint types. This breadth covers the full spectrum from compact passenger car propeller shaft joints through to the heavy-duty truck and agricultural machinery applications that drive the largest share of demand in Colombia’s transport, logistics, and farming sectors. Buyers rarely need to go outside this product series to cover their vehicle range — whether they service steering column universal joints, driveshaft U-joints, or PTO driveline crosses.

5 — Grooved Cup Design for Demanding Duty Cycles

The Type B grooved round bearing cup is engineered for applications where plain cups reach their lubrication limits — high continuous torque, large sustained working angles, or operating environments where vehicle re-greasing intervals are extended. The circumferential grooves in the bore ensure that the grease film distributes consistently around the needle roller track even under centrifugal loading from high shaft RPM. For heavy-duty truck universal joints operating along Colombia’s long-distance Andean freight corridors, and for agricultural equipment universal joints running PTO-powered machinery across variable terrain, this design choice provides a measurable improvement in grease retention and bearing fatigue life compared to standard plain-bore alternatives.

3. Universal Joint Working Principle

The fundamental operating principle of a universal joint is the mechanical accommodation of torque transmission between two shafts whose rotational axes intersect at an angle. At the mechanical core of every universal joint is the cross assembly (also called the spider or journal cross) — a precision-machined component with four cylindrical trunnions arranged in two perpendicular pairs. Each trunnion fits into a hardened bearing cup that contains a set of needle roller bearings. One pair of opposing trunnions connects to the driving yoke; the perpendicular pair connects to the driven yoke. As the driving shaft rotates, it forces the cross to rotate, which in turn drives the second yoke and the connected driven shaft. Because the two yoke planes are perpendicular, the joint accommodates a continuous change in shaft angle through each revolution without disconnecting the torque path. This is what makes the universal joint an enabling component in virtually every vehicle driveshaft system — from the propeller shaft in a rear-wheel-drive car to the steering universal joint in a truck’s steering column.

An important characteristic of a single universal joint is that it introduces a cyclic angular velocity variation in the driven shaft whenever the joint angle is non-zero. At any given joint angle, the driven shaft oscillates above and below the driving shaft speed twice per revolution — the amplitude of this variation increases with the square of the joint angle. This is why automotive driveshafts are typically designed with two universal joints at matched angles: the velocity variation introduced by the first joint is cancelled by the second, producing a constant output velocity at the differential or gearbox input. The universal joint working principle therefore requires not just a properly dimensioned replacement part, but also correct installation geometry — particularly ensuring equal and opposing joint angles in a two-joint driveshaft assembly — to achieve smooth, vibration-free driveshaft operation. Grooved bearing cups (FIG B) assist in this context by maintaining more consistent lubrication under the cyclic loading pattern that arises from the velocity variation cycle, particularly in higher-angle applications like steering column universal joints and short-shaft agricultural PTO drivelines.

4. Materiali e costruzione

The journal cross — the central functional component of every universal joint in this series — is forged or precision-machined from a medium-to-high carbon alloy steel, then heat-treated through a controlled case-hardening or through-hardening process to achieve the hardness profile required for sustained needle roller contact. The journal surface (trunnion) must reach sufficient surface hardness to resist the Hertzian contact stress from needle roller loading under full drivetrain torque, while the core remains tough enough to absorb shock loads without brittle fracture — a balance achieved through carburizing, induction hardening, or carbonitriding depending on journal size and application torque class. After heat treatment, the trunnion outer diameter is ground to a close tolerance finish, typically held within ±0.005 mm to ±0.010 mm for the journal diameter (D), which is the dimension that determines needle roller preload and bearing clearance in the assembled universal joint cross assembly.

The bearing cups (caps) are formed from low-carbon or case-hardening steel, drawn or forged to shape, then case-hardened to provide a hard wear surface on the inner bore where the needle rollers run. For FIG B grooved cups, the circumferential oil groove is machined or formed into the bore prior to heat treatment and is then left with a consistent groove depth and finish after hardening to ensure reliable grease retention during service. The needle rollers themselves are precision ground to uniform diameter and length within tight tolerances (typically ISO grade 3 or better), ensuring equal load distribution across all rollers in each cup. Bearing retention may be achieved through C-clips, U-clips, pressed-in retaining rings, or injection-molded plastic retaining caps depending on the specific part number configuration — the choice of retention method is noted in the technical datasheet for each individual part and aligns with the OEM specification for the corresponding SPICER, GMB, GKN, or PRECISION cross-reference number. All external steel surfaces receive a rust-inhibiting coating prior to packaging to protect against corrosion during storage and transit to end markets including the automotive parts trade in Colombia.

5. Scenari applicativi

The EP-U-JOINT series covers a wide range of driveline applications. The following scenarios represent the primary use cases where plain and grooved bearing cup universal joints are most commonly deployed.

Automotive Propeller Shaft (Rear-Wheel Drive & 4WD)

The most common universal joint application is the automotive propeller shaft connecting the transmission output to the rear axle differential — or, in four-wheel drive vehicles, connecting transfer case outputs to front and rear axles. These joints must transmit full engine torque through a joint angle that changes dynamically as the suspension travels. For Colombian vehicles operating on the mixed road surfaces characteristic of urban roads in Bogotá and off-highway terrain in rural departments, the propeller shaft universal joint experiences a broad range of torque and angle combinations within a single drive cycle. Both plain (FIG A) and grooved (FIG B) configurations are used in this application depending on vehicle manufacturer preference.

Heavy Commercial Vehicle & Truck Driveshafts

For universal joint truck applications — multi-axle freight trucks, city buses, and heavy-duty logistics vehicles operating across Colombia’s national road network — the journal cross experiences substantially higher torque loads and more demanding duty cycles than passenger car applications. Grooved round bearing cups (FIG B) are frequently specified in OEM truck driveshafts for their improved grease retention under sustained high-torque conditions. The larger-diameter part numbers in this series — including 5-1506X (D=38 mm), 5-1511X (D=32 mm), and 5-12100X (D=45 mm) — are dimensioned specifically for this segment, providing the bearing surface area needed to manage the contact stress levels generated by heavy vehicle GVW torque demands.

Steering Column Universal Joint

The steering universal joint connects the steering wheel column to the steering rack or gear input shaft, accommodating the angular offset between the driver’s steering column and the steering gear location in the engine bay or chassis. Steering column universal joints operate at much lower torque than driveshaft joints but at much higher joint angles and with much more frequent direction changes — every steering input produces a change in joint loading direction. The steering universal joint must provide minimal backlash and smooth, consistent torque transfer to maintain precise steering feel. This product series includes several part numbers dimensioned for steering column applications, where the plain bearing cup design is most common and where dimensional accuracy is paramount for steering response quality.

Agricultural Machinery PTO Drivelines

In Colombia’s agricultural equipment sector — including tractors, harvesters, and soil preparation implements widely used in the coffee, sugarcane, and rice-producing regions of Antioquia, Valle del Cauca, and the Llanos — the universal joint in car and farm equipment applications must accommodate the high angles and shock load reversals typical of PTO driveline operation. Agricultural PTO drivelines commonly operate at joint angles between 15° and 25°, significantly higher than standard propeller shaft applications, which demands robust lubrication retention. Both plain and grooved bearing type universal joints appear in this sector, with the grooved type offering longer re-greasing intervals that reduce service requirements on equipment operating far from the nearest dealer in rural areas.

Industrial Machinery & Transfer Cases

Beyond on-road vehicles, the universal joint types catalog serves industrial machinery applications where torque must be transferred between non-collinear shafts in concrete mixers, mining conveyors, pump drives, and industrial fans. In Colombia’s active mining sector (coal in Boyacá and Cesar; gold and silver in Antioquia) and in the industrial zones around Barranquilla, Cartagena, and Cali, industrial universal joints face demanding duty cycles including continuous operation, heavy unidirectional torque, and exposure to dust, water, and vibration. The heavy-duty part numbers in this series — with journal diameters up to 57.07 mm — cover industrial driveline applications alongside their commercial vehicle equivalents, providing a universal impact joint solution across multiple industry segments.

6. Conformità normativa e standard di settore

Universal joint and driveshaft components used in road vehicles are subject to safety and performance regulations across every major market. Buyers in Colombia sourcing universal joint replacement parts should be aware of the following applicable frameworks.

Colombia — Vehicle Safety & Automotive Parts Import Regulations: In Colombia, road vehicles are subject to roadworthiness requirements under Decreto 1079 de 2015 (Decreto Único Reglamentario del Sector Transporte) administered by the Ministerio de Transporte. Vehicles registered in the RUNT (Registro Único Nacional de Tránsito) must meet minimum safety and roadworthiness standards that encompass driveshaft and steering system integrity. For commercial freight vehicles, the Ministerio de Transporte’s periodic technical inspection requirements (Revisión Técnico-Mecánica y de Gases, administered through CDA centers) include driveshaft and undercarriage inspections where universal joint condition is evaluated. Automotive parts imported into Colombia are subject to DIAN (Dirección de Impuestos y Aduanas Nacionales) customs classification under HS heading 8708 (parts and accessories of motor vehicles), and ICONTEC (Instituto Colombiano de Normas Técnicas y Certificación) NTC standards may apply to vehicle component safety at the national level. Importers should confirm the applicable tariff subheading and any applicable NTC requirements before placing commercial orders.

International Standards for Universal Joints: ISO 7646 (Road Vehicles — Universal Joints of the Cardan Type — Dimensions and Connection Parameters) provides the international dimensional framework for automotive driveshaft universal joint types, defining journal dimensions, bearing cup sizes, and yoke connection parameters. ISO 9679 covers universal joints for agricultural machinery PTO drivelines, establishing torque rating and safety guarding requirements relevant to the agricultural applications of this product. In Europe, the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC applies to PTO-driven agricultural equipment, requiring CE conformity for machinery that includes power transmission components such as universal joint cross assemblies. For automotive applications in the EU, ECE Regulation No. 43 and related vehicle type approval requirements govern driveshaft component performance. SAE standard J1050 (Universal Joint and Driveshaft Design Manual, published by SAE International) and AGMA standards for power transmission components provide the technical benchmarks for North American market applications. In Brazil (Colombia’s Mercosul trade partner), ABNT NBR 11900 and related standards govern automotive parts quality and interchangeability.

Occupational Safety & Equipment Guarding: Regardless of jurisdiction, universal joint driveshafts must be properly guarded when used in PTO applications. In Colombia, Decreto 1072 de 2015 (Sistema de Gestión de la Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo, administered by the Ministerio del Trabajo) mandates that all rotating power transmission components in workplaces — including PTO shafts with exposed universal joints — have adequate guarding to prevent contact injuries. ASABE Standard S206 (Safeguarding of Agricultural Equipment) provides the technical guarding specification widely referenced internationally for PTO universal joint protection. Ensuring correct guard installation alongside the universal joint replacement itself is both a legal requirement and a critical safety practice in any workshop or field service context.

7. Chi siamo

We are a specialized manufacturer and supplier of power transmission components, with a production focus on automotive and industrial universal joints, driveshaft assemblies, wheel hubs, and related drivetrain parts. Our manufacturing operations cover a production area exceeding 35,000 square meters and are equipped with CNC gear hobbing machines, precision grinding centers, plasma cutting systems, induction hardening lines, and three-axis coordinate measuring systems for finished product dimensional verification. We have held ISO 9001 quality management system certification for over two decades, providing the documented quality framework that underpins our dimensional consistency and OEM cross-reference accuracy across the full universal joint range. Our in-house inspection capability includes surface hardness testing, dimensional gauging, and metallurgical verification — allowing us to confirm that each production batch meets the journal diameter tolerances and surface finish requirements on which bearing fit and service life depend. For buyers in Colombia and across Latin America who need a reliable universal joint supplier capable of providing comprehensive cross-reference data, competitive per-unit pricing for commercial quantities, and consistent part availability across the full product range, we welcome direct inquiries and distributor partnership discussions.

Workshop

Universal joint production workshop
CNC machining universal joint components
Drivetrain parts assembly and inspection
Finished automotive parts storage and quality control

8. Prodotti correlati e compatibilità di sistema

A universal joint does not operate in isolation — it is part of a complete driveshaft or steering system that requires compatible components at every connection point. We produce the full range of drivetrain accessories that work alongside our universal joint series, offering a one-stop supply solution that simplifies procurement and ensures dimensional compatibility across the entire assembly. Our universal coupling design philosophy across the full product range eliminates the tolerance stack-up risks that arise when mixing components from different manufacturers in a single driveshaft build.

Unità mozzo ruota

The wheel hub connects the driveshaft end — often via a CV joint or universal joint — to the wheel assembly. Correct hub bearing specification ensures that the axial and radial loads from the wheel are managed without inducing additional stress back through the driveshaft universal joint. Using matched wheel hub units from the same supplier as your universal joint parts reduces the risk of installation incompatibilities and simplifies warranty claims when whole-assembly replacement is needed. Our full series of automotive wheel bearing units covers the vehicle types serviced by this universal joint range.

Automotive wheel hub unit compatible with universal joint driveshaft

Axles

The axle shaft transmits torque from the differential to the wheel hub, often incorporating a universal joint at one or both ends to accommodate suspension travel and steering movement. Axle universal joint sizing must match the axle shaft spline dimensions and flange specifications — a mismatch here creates installation difficulties or improper torque capacity that leads to premature failure. Our axle range is dimensionally coordinated with the universal joint series, and cross-referencing the axle and universal joint part numbers together ensures the complete driveshaft assembly meets the OEM specification for the target vehicle. A one-stop supply approach eliminates the delays associated with sourcing matched components from separate suppliers.

ATV rear axle shaft compatible with universal joint drivetrain

Domande frequenti

Q1. What is a universal joint, and why does it fail on vehicles operated in Colombia’s mountain roads?

A universal joint is a mechanical coupling that transmits torque between two shafts at an angle, using a cross-shaped journal assembly with four needle-roller bearing cups. On Colombia’s Andean routes — where vehicles constantly navigate steep grades, tight bends, and potholed surfaces — the universal joint in car and truck applications experiences higher-than-average cyclic torque and angle variation compared to flat highway driving. These conditions accelerate grease breakdown and needle roller wear. Routine inspection and timely universal joint replacement are the most effective preventive measures. Signs of a failing joint include vibration during acceleration, clunking sounds during gear changes, and squeaking on low-speed maneuvers.

Q2. What is the main function of a universal joint in a rear-wheel drive vehicle’s driveshaft system?

The main function of a universal joint in a rear-wheel drive driveshaft is to maintain a continuous torque connection between the transmission output shaft and the rear differential input shaft while accommodating the vertical movement of the rear axle as the suspension compresses and extends over road irregularities. Without the universal joint’s angular flexibility, the rigid driveshaft would bind or break every time the suspension moved. In practice, most rear-wheel drive propeller shafts use two universal joints — one at each end — with matched angles to cancel velocity variation and deliver smooth, constant rotation speed to the differential despite the continuous angle changes during driving.

Q3. How do I find the right universal joint replacement part number for a Colombian-market Ford, Chevrolet, or Toyota truck?

The most reliable approach is to identify the SPICER 5-series part number from the vehicle’s service manual, OEM parts catalog, or by measuring the existing joint’s journal diameter (D) and overall length (L) or cap diameter (O). Once you have the SPICER cross-reference number, compare it against the SPICER column in our specification table to identify the matching EP part number. Alternatively, use the GMB, GKN, or PRECISION cross-reference numbers if your service documentation uses those codes. For popular Colombian-market vehicles like the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, and Chevrolet D-MAX, several widely used universal joint application numbers appear repeatedly in fleet service data — our technical team can help confirm the correct number for your specific model year.

Q4. Which universal joint types are best suited for heavy freight trucks operating on Colombia’s Ruta 40 or Ruta 25 highways?

For heavy universal joint truck applications on Colombia’s long-distance freight corridors, grooved round bearing cups (FIG B) are generally preferable over plain cups for two reasons: first, the grooves distribute grease more effectively under sustained high-torque conditions; second, they extend lubrication intervals, reducing the maintenance stops required on long-haul routes where stopping to grease a driveshaft is operationally inconvenient. The larger-diameter entries in this series — 5-1506X (D=38 mm, O=57.2 mm), 5-1511X (D=32 mm, O=61 mm), and 5-1301X (D=31.3 mm, O=71.5 mm) — are sized for the commercial vehicle segment. Confirming the exact journal diameter against the vehicle’s service data is always the first step before ordering any heavy-duty universal joint replacement part.

Q5. What is the difference between a universal joint and a CV joint, and when should each be used in a driveshaft application?

A universal joint transmits torque through a cross-and-yoke assembly and inherently introduces cyclic velocity variation at non-zero working angles. A constant velocity (CV) joint uses a ball-and-groove mechanism to deliver constant output rotation regardless of joint angle. CV joints are used on the front axle drive shafts of front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles where both torque transmission and steering angle must be accommodated simultaneously. Universal joints remain the dominant choice for propeller shaft applications in rear-wheel-drive trucks and commercial vehicles due to their higher torque capacity, simpler construction, easier replacement, and lower cost — all characteristics that favor the universal joint in truck and commercial vehicle applications throughout Colombia’s freight sector.

Q6. How do I measure an existing universal joint cross to confirm the correct replacement part number when the original labeling is worn off?

Remove the old universal joint from the yoke and measure the journal diameter (D) with a micrometer — measure at least three positions along the trunnion length to confirm it is cylindrical and to identify any wear. For FIG A types, measure the overall length (L) from the end of one cap to the end of the opposing cap. For FIG B types, measure the outer diameter (O) of one bearing cup. Compare these measurements against the D, L, and O columns in the specification table above. If two or more part numbers share the same D and L (or D and O) dimensions, verify the cross-reference numbers in the SPICER or GMB column against the vehicle’s service documentation to confirm the exact match. Minor dimensional differences between closely related universal joint types (such as 5-113X and 5-153X, both D=27 and L=81.78) may be distinguished only by the vehicle make, model year, and OEM cross-reference designation.

Redattore: PXY

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