Driveshafts for my electric project. Unfortunately I can't locate the driveshaft inboard end at the proper place so it's going to plunge in/out with suspension travel & I think I need ball splines to do it (I'm not using CV joints 'cos they're too lossy).
From what I can find out, no car maker uses ball splines (anybody know different?) so I'm looking at industrial, they're available but a bit pricey. Anybody got any experience with these things?

Ball splines are just a high precision version of normal splines, for use where backlash and sliding friction needs to be minimised, e.g. CNC machines. They can't accept any angular movement like a CV joint can. If all you need is a plunging joint then why not normal splines as used on e.g. propshafts?

Surely tripode CV joint is the optimal for this job?

They use them in F1 (I noticed this when someones wheel fell off!), so they must have their benefits. If there were something better (even if more expensive) then those chaps would be using them surely.

Just my thoughts

Matt

Have a look at http://www.taylor-race.com
Linky
They do lightweight tripod joints, housings and shafts which may suit your EV.

quote:

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Originally posted by minitici
Have a look at http://www.taylor-race.com
Linky
They do lightweight tripod joints, housings and shafts which may suit your EV.

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Hi Mike, normal splines would create stiction in the suspension under power (or braking). The advantage of the ball spline is that the transmitted torque makes no difference to the force needed to extend/ retract in the axial direction.
Maybe some stiction ain't so bad, it's a damping effect at least. But it would make the ride height uncertain & that would be a bad thing in this application. I have to use hooke joints (not CV) for efficiency reasons.