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Tailshaft Balancing Explained: Why It’s Essential for Smooth Driving

tailshaft balancing Keysborough

Have you ever felt those odd, annoying vibrations while driving and wondered what’s causing them? It could be your tailshaft.
Tailshaft balancing is key to enjoying a smooth, comfortable ride, but it’s a detail that’s often overlooked until it becomes a problem.

Let’s take a look at the importance of tailshaft balancing for your vehicle’s performance and how it can transform your driving experience.

What is Tailshaft Balancing?

Tailshaft balancing involves ensuring that the tailshaft rotates evenly when transferring power from the engine to the wheels. An imbalanced tailshaft can cause vibrations and uneven movement, which may affect how your vehicle handles.

Balancing the tailshaft means adjusting it so that its weight is distributed evenly, allowing for smooth and consistent rotation. This process reduces strain on your vehicle’s drivetrain and helps prevent premature wear and tear on parts like the universal joints and centre bearings.

Why Tailshaft Balancing Matters

You might wonder why a slight imbalance would make such a significant difference, but even minor imperfections can have a big impact.

When the tailshaft is out of balance, vibrations travel through the vehicle, creating a less comfortable driving experience. This issue can also lead to further complications, as the extra strain on the drivetrain components can shorten their lifespan.

Tailshaft balancing not only ensures a smoother drive but also protects your car from developing more costly problems over time.

Signs Your Tailshaft Might Need Balancing

Recognising when your tailshaft needs balancing can save you from bigger repair bills later. One of the first signs is often a vibration that intensifies as you pick up speed. This vibration can range from mild to severe, but it’s important not to ignore it, as it may indicate that the tailshaft is out of alignment.

In some cases, you might also notice clunking noises, especially when accelerating or shifting gears. Addressing these signs early on can prevent more serious damage and keep your vehicle running smoothly.

The Balancing Process and How It Works

When a professional balances your tailshaft, they use specialised equipment to measure the uneven distribution of weight. By adding or removing small weights, they adjust the balance until the tailshaft spins evenly. This precision process ensures that your vehicle doesn’t suffer from unnecessary vibrations, which in turn enhances your comfort and the overall driving experience.

A well-balanced tailshaft supports the proper function of other components, reducing stress on the drivetrain and prolonging the life of your vehicle’s parts.

Maintaining Peak Condition

Tailshaft balancing is an investment in your vehicle’s performance and reliability. Routine maintenance and addressing issues promptly can make a substantial difference in how your car handles. Paying attention to the condition of your tailshaft and recognising the signs of imbalance helps you stay ahead of potential problems and keeps your car running at its best.

Whether you’re on the highway or navigating city streets, a balanced tailshaft ensures that your driving remains smooth and enjoyable.

Keep Your Drive Smooth—Get Expert Help Today

If you’ve been experiencing vibrations or suspect your tailshaft may need balancing, it’s time to seek expert advice.

At GJ Drivelines, we specialise in keeping your tailshaft in top condition with high-quality services and experienced professionals.

Reach out today to schedule an inspection and keep your vehicle performing its best!

Enquire With Us today

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ALL YOUR TAILSHAFT AND DRIVESHAFT NEEDS

  • CUSTOMISED TAILSHAFT MANUFACTURING
  • TAILSHAFT REPAIR, RECONDITIONING AND STRENGTHENING
  • DIGITAL BALANCING
  • REPLACEMENT OF TAILSHAFT COMPONENTS
  • DIAGNOSTIC DRIVING AND VIBRATION ANALYSIS
  • SUPPLIER OF TAILSHAFT COMPONENTS
  • DRIVESHAFT REPAIR AND MANUFACTURING
  • DRIVESHAFT CENTER BEARINGS
  • UNIVERSAL AND CV JOINTS
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Identify Transmission

Chrysler – Dodge
727 – 30 Spline 1 11/16″ Seal Diameter
904 – 26 Spline 1 9/16″ Seal Diameter

Ford
C6-T56 – 31 Spline 1 11/16″ Seal Diameter
AOD & C4 & T5 – 28 Spline 1 1/2″ Seal Diameter
4 R 7OW – 28 Spline 1.598″ Seal Diameter

General Motors
T-350 700R4-4LLOE – 27 Spline 1 1/2″ Seal Diameter
T-400-4L80E – 32 Spline 1 7/8″ Seal Diameter

Note: Transmission slip yokes are manufactured with various U-Joint Series. It is important to match Horsepower and Torque requirements to U-Joint Series. For aftermarket transmission applications usually a spline count and seal diameter will identify slip yoke required.

Identify Rear U-Joint

diagram-d

If Pinion Yoke has Placement tabs that retain the U-Joint, measure inside tabs. See Diagram D.

diagram-e

If Pinion Yoke does not have Placement Tabs that retain U-Joint, measure from flat of yoke inside to inside. See Diagram E.

diagram-l

If 4 bolt Flange is used on pinion, measure Pilot Diameter and center to center diagonally bolt hole to bolt hole. See Diagram L.

diagram-a

Universal Joint Size. There are hundreds of U-Joint sizes or “Series” to accomodate many different applications of power and desired longevity for your automotive, 4×4 truck or auto racing requirements, these 4 series of joints cover most needs.

1310 Spicer Series: 1 1/16″ Cup Diameter (Dim C – Diagram A) 3 7/32″ length (Dim B – Diagram A) Certain Ford applications have 2 cups 1 1/8 Diameter. Appropriate horse power range is up to 500 in circle track or road racing, small tire drag racing and 4×4. Also available: Performance Dynamic Cryo Joint.

1330 Spicer Series: 1 1/16″ Cup Diameter (Dim C – Diagram A) 3 5/8″ length (Dim B – Diagram A) Certain Ford applications have 2 cups 1 1/8 Diameter. Slightly stronger than 1310, Used in 5.0 Mustangs. Also available: Performance Dynamic Cryo Joint.

3R Saginaw Series: 1 1/8″ Cup Diameter (Dim C – Diagram A) Retained with internal clip 2 5/8″ (Dim B – Diagram A). Most common GM joint. Horse power range up to 700 in road racing and circle track. Solid drag racing U-Joint can accomodate most sportsman classes. Also available: Performance Dynamic Cryo Joint.

1350 Spicer Series: Manufactured with OEM tolerances and treated with our Cryogenic Process to yeild the strongest U-Joint available. For drag racing applications a solid non-lube design U-Joint is recommended because of the tremendous initial shock load, or short duration of high torque the joint must be able to withstand.

 

Driveshaft Measurements

diagram-n

If PST is supplying you with transmission slip yoke, Pinion yoke and driveshaft yoke measure Dim W. See Diagram N.

If PST is supplying you with transmission slip yoke and driveshaft measure Dim X. See Diagram N.

2 Piece driveshafts use Dim Y + Z. See Diagram N.