The transmission of power within the drive system depends to a great extent on the quality of the moving elements. Front-wheel drive vehicles in particular should only be fitted with homokinetic joints or constant velocity joints due to the relatively large diffraction angle at the wheel joint (up to ~ 40°).
Universal joints – also called cardan joints – are only suitable for steered wheels to a limited extent. They are still sometimes used in four-wheel drive commercial vehicles and heavy off-road vehicles with rigid axles and integrated differential. Here the double design of the universal joint automatically results in a large turning circle.
Homokinetic joints and constant velocity joints drastically reduce the turning circle of front- or four-wheel drive vehicles, almost reaching that of rear-wheel drive vehicles. When fitted on both sides of the drive shaft, they achieve the greatest possible flexibility.
The so-called Hardy disc is used to connect the gear and cardan joint. However, this only permits diffraction angles of up to 3°.