Jim Holman

Yet, Jim Holman, engineering manager for heavy-duty applications, Dana Corp., said that today's drive shafts are more than up for the task.

He said that premium drive shaft assemblies with extended-service intervals are widely available for commercial vehicles, however, when servicing is required, that usually means lubrication.

"Lube intervals vary by application, but all drive shafts need properly greased U-joints and slip members," Holman said. "One longstanding key to success is to completely purge all four bearing assemblies at each U-joint which should maximize life.

"It is also a good idea to always re-lube the U-joints and slip members after pressure washing to flush out dirt and moisture that may have entered the seals. This is especially important for drive shafts with extended lube intervals that otherwise may not require service for thousands of miles," he explained.

Correct ride heights on air-ride-suspension equipped trucks always should be maintained to keep U-joint angles where they need to be, Holman added.

"With the new design, our OEM customers will also see improved plant efficiency and flexibility as we have successfully reduced the number of brackets that were once required" said Jim Holman, engineering manager with Dana.