Universal Joints: Produced by A Professional Manufacturer

Sitong is specialized in universal joint, key element of module like drive shaft or propeller shaft. Sitong is able to meet different requirements and shaft sizes of OEM customers. Sitong also covers global aftermarket with wider range line-up and proudly extends our brand name. Sitong maintains production and engineering knowledge and experience to produce universal joints of the highest quality viable at economical cost.

Structure of Universal Joint

Universal joint consists of spider(cross) and 4 grease-filled roller bearings. It can transmit large torque at low friction. Spider with journal pegs and bearing cases as outer ring were hot forged or cold formed and machined. They are later carburized in furnace so that increased ruggedness and wear resisitance are obtained. Parts are finally ground to designed size under severe tolerance. Oil seal as well as dust cover are also in use to protect internal journal area from intrusion of foreign material. Variety of grades and materials are selected to repond to extreme conditions such as very hot / very cold temperatures.

Basic Universal Joint Types

HEAVY DUTY & HIGH-STRENGTH UNIVERSAL JOINTS

Suitable for a variety of standard applications. They feature friction-bearing (pin & block) design. Our High-Strength joints are suitable for high-torque applications and for accommodating larger shaft diameters.

LEVELER-STRENGTH UNIVERSAL JOINTS

Designed for extreme torque applications, with enhanced mechanical properties and manufacturing processes that increase the strength and extend the operating life of the joints.

NEEDLE-BEARING UNIVERSAL JOINTS

High-precision universal joints with rigid axial stiffness that maintain minimal play and backlash over extended periods of time. Superior lifetime at continuous duty cycles and high RPM.

MILITARY-STANDARD (MIL-SPEC) UNIVERSAL JOINTS

A line of joints designed according to military specifications for dimensions, strength and other features like plating and boot covers. Sitong’s mil-spec joints meet or exceed MIL-DTL-6193 specifications.

Sitong carries QPL approved mil-spec joints.

STAINLESS STEEL UNIVERSAL JOINTS

High-quality joints for special applications with high strength requirements and corrosive, sterile or sanitary environments.

Application of Universal Joint

For the racing industry, We has developed steering and shift linkage solutions focused on cross and needle bearing design. Needle bearing universal joints are preferred for race car applications because they deliver rigid axial stiffness for push/pull loads and feature high-strength alloy steel yokes with permanently sealed drawn cup needle bearings and a forged cross. Steering and shift linkage solutions for race cars are available in a variety of hub materials including: stainless steel, forged steel, extruded aluminum and alloy—with or with out plating.

For light-duty and recreational vehicles, Sitong custom manufactures steering assemblies based on the type of vehicle and the manufacturer’s strict guidelines. These customers include manufacturers of electric cars, golf carts, passenger vehicles, ATVs (All Terrain Vehicles), industrial maintenance vehicles and utility trucks. Power transmitting drive shaft utilising minimum space requirements connects driving shaft to driven shaft at an angle through smooth mechanism of universal joint.

For specialty automobiles, Sitong provides custom steering and shift linkage components to meet and exceed the critical standards of each individual OEM. The joint and drive shaft assemblies are engineered to exact specifications in various grades of stainless steel, plated alloys, forgings and aluminum for high strength-to-weight ratios. Using state-of-the-art multiple axis CNC machinery and engineering systems technology, Sitong delivers high-strength, light-weight steering components to the automotive market.

Drive shaft incorporated with universal joint is widely in use not only in automotive industry but also all other industrial scenes. From metal working to aircraft or surgical equipment, our components can be found in a broad spectrum of industrial settings. They deliver high performance and durability to ensure flawless operation under any condition. We understand that each application presents its unique challenges. Our extensive design and manufacturing expertise spans across a variety of industries:

• Aerospace Systems

• Automation Equipment

• Drilling and Tapping

• Tetile Industry

• Industrial Machinery

• Marine Applications

• Medical Equipment

• Metal Processing

• Military Equipment

• Motion Control

• Offshore & Land Energy

• Packaging Machinery

• Printing Processes

• Pump Systems

• Specialty Vehicles

• Woodworking & more

The Advantages of Various Universal Joints

HEAVY DUTY SINGLE UNIVERSAL JOINTS

The Sitong single pin & block universal joint is manufactured from high-grade alloy steel for increased durability and better performance than standard industrial-grade models. All components are heat treated, precision machined and ground to close tolerances. The Heavy Duty universal joint provides exceptional service life in the most demanding applications. All joints are available with or without a lubricant retaining boot.

Features

• High grade-alloy steel

• Maximum operating angles up to 45° (Special design options with higher angles may be available)

• Wide selection of hub configurations & finishes

• Parts without grooves available upon request

HEAVY DUTY DOUBLE UNIVERSAL JOINTS

The Sitong double universal joint provides the same reliability and service life as the single universal joint with a maximum combined working angle of 90°. Double universal joints provide accurate positioning and flexibility under higher operating angles. Sitong double universal joints are available in a wide variety of materials and finishes. Lubricant retaining boots are recommended for operation in corrosive environments.

Features

• High-grade alloy steel

• Standard operating angles up to 90° (45° per joint)

• Special design solutions with higher angles may  also be available

• Uniform speed ratio between driving and driven shafts (with parallel output shafts)

HIGH STRENGTH SINGLE UNIVERSAL JOINTS

Sitong’s High Strength universal joints are recommended for high-torque applications. They are suitable for

accommodating larger shaft diameters. These friction-bearing joints are constructed with short & long pin design and a

rivet or capscrew. This has the advantage of using pins of equal diameters for both axes, making the joint stronger. High Strength universal joints provide exceptional service life for the most demanding applications.

Features

• Suitable for high-torque applications

• Friction (plain) bearing construction

• Made from high grade alloy steel

• Short pin/long pin design with rivet or capscrew

• Hardened & ground yoke ears, block & pins

LEVELER STRENGTH UNIVERSAL JOINTS

Sitong’s Leveler-Strength universal joints are sepcifically designed for extreme torque applications, such as metal processing. They are developed with enhanced mechanical properties and manufacturing processes that increase the strength and extend the operating life of the joints.

Features

• Designed for extreme torque applications

• Hardened & ground yoke ears, pins & blocks

• Reinforced yoke profile

• Manufactured from high-grade alloy steel

• Dry-film lubricant coating on select contact surfaces

STAINLESS STEEL SINGLE UNIVERSAL JOINTS

The standard stainless steel joint is made from AISI 303 and AISI 416 stainless steel. The joint yokes are 303 and the pins & blocks are hardened 416 stainless steel to provide higher strength and improved wear resistance. Components can be made from other grades of stainless steel to meet the customer’s exact application specifications.

Features

• Corrosion resistance

• Standard operating angles up to 45°

• Lubricant-retaining boot covers can be added for environmental protection

• Parts without grooves available upon request

STAINLESS STEEL DOUBLE UNIVERSAL JOINTS

Sitong’s stainless steel double universal joints provide the same reliability and service life as the single universal joints, with a maximum combined working angle of 90°. Double universal joints provide accurate positioning and flexibility under higher operating angles. The joint yokes are 303 and the pins & blocks are hardened 416 stainless steel to provide higher strength and improved wear resistance. Components can be made from other grades of stainless steel.

Features

• Corrosion resistance

• Standard operating angles up to 90° (45° per joint)

• Can be booted for further environmental protection

NEEDLE BEARING UNIVERSAL JOINTS

The needle bearing universal joint is fitted with pre-lubricated needle bearings. Needle bearing universal joints are designed to maintain lower backlash for critical positioning required by robotics and instrumentation and are excellent for continuous operation applications. The joint can operate at a higher Angle x RPM factor than pin & block (aka ‘fictionbearing’) universal joints.

Features

• Suitable for continuous operation

 at high speeds and angles

• Maintains low torsional backlash

• Pin & block - needle bearing design

 also available

• High-grade alloy steel yokes

MILITARY STANDARD JOINT - MS20270 LIGHT DUTY SERIES

Sitong military standard universal joints are precisely designed and manufactured for a variety of applications. These include specifications where low deflection rates, high strength-to-weight ratios and long service life are essential.

Features

• Designed with blind bores

• No boot covers

• Regular re-lubrication required

• Cadmium plating (Zinc plating optional)

• Meets or exceeds military specifications MIL-DTL-6193

MILITARY STANDARD JOINT - MS20271 HEAVY DUTY SERIES

Sitong’s complete universal joint line includes a full range of military certified and continually tested universal joints used in auto racing/gear change linkage, defense vehicles as well as aerospace applications.

Features

• Designed with blind bores

• Grease-filled protective boot covers

• Cadmium plating (Zinc plating optional)

• Meets or exceeds military specifications MIL-DTL-6193

METRIC UNIVERSAL JOINTS

Sitong’s metric universal joints are manufactured with metric bore sizes. They are available as high-grade alloy steel or AISI 303 stainless. Sitong’s metric joints provide exceptional service life for the most demanding applications. All joints are available with or without a lubricant retaining boot.

Features

• High grade-alloy steel

• Standard operating angles up to 45°

 (Special design solutions with higher

 angles may also be available)

• Wide selection of hub configurations & finishes

Metric Stainless Steel Universal Joints

Features

• Metric bore sizes

• Corrosion resistance

• AISI 303 yokes

• AISI 416 pins & blocks

• Standard operating angles up to 45°

• Can be outfitted with lubricant-retaining boots

Steps In Selecting A Universal Joint

1.  Determine whether you will need a two or three u-joint system.

This will be dictated by the angle of the universal joints and the routing of the column to the steering gear. If it’s a relatively straight shot, and your universal joint angle will be less than 30°, then you can use two universal joints and one piece of shaft.

If you need to use two pieces of intermediate shaft to route around an object such as your headers or exhaust, or your universal joint angle will be greater than 30-40°, then we recommend a three u-joint setup. If using a three u-joint system, a support bearing or support bearing kit will be necessary and can be used with either splined or DD shafts. Your center u-joint in a three joint system will be either 3/4" DD X 3/4" DD or 3/4"-36 X 3/4"-36, depending on the type of shaft that you select.

2.Determine what yoke ends you will need on either end of your universal joints.

To determine the size and shape of the other yoke end of each universal joint, use this reference application chart to select the correct universal joint to connect to your steering column and your steering box or rack and pinion setup. If the chart does not list your application, identify the shaft shape using the diagram below and then measure the diameter using calipers or a micrometer.

3.Choose the type of intermediate shaft that you will be using.

We offer 3/4”-36 splined or 3/4" DD stainless steel shafts. The style of shaft that you select will determine one of the yoke ends that you need on each universal joint. 3/4"-36 splined shafts have two inches of spline on each end and can easily be trimmed up to 1” on either side. 3/4" DD shafts are available in 18", 22", or 36" lengths and can be cut to an exact size.

4.Select the appropriate length of intermediate shaft.  

If you are using a 3/4"-36 splined shaft and two universal joints, measure the distance between the rack and pinion or steering box, and your steering column shaft. Take this measured distance and then subtract 3.25” and round up to the next whole number to determine which shaft length will be best for your setup. DD shaft can be cut to size and multiple lengths can be cut from one piece. Ordering a larger size than you think you may need will give you a safety net in case you need to re-cut or adjust your steering linkage prior to installation.