|
The Anglemaster® can be used
wherever there is a need for a precise measurement of
angles and slopes. Scientific research, appliance
repair and installation, machinery, woodworking,
aerospace, marine, motion picture equipment, bicycle
repair, and physical therapy are just a few of the
possible applications. The information below is a
step by step guide on how to use the Anglemaster® in
measuring driveline angles to avoid vibration problems
associated with incorrect driveshaft and u-joint working
angles. You may also
view the "Measuring Driveline Operating Angles"
DVD online for free or
purchase
the DVD with a credit card for $19.95 + shipping and
handling.
View the DVD
Purchase the DVD
Step by Step Guide to
Measuring Angles
The slope at which a
driveline component is installed is a slope of
inclination. It is considered either positive or
negative depending on whether the slope points up or
down when viewed from the transmission toward the rear
of the vehicle. A negative driveline slope points
down, while a positive driveline slope points up.
The operating angle of a
u-joint is the relationship between two slopes, such as
the transmission slope and the tube slope. If you
imagine two lines parallel to each component, the angle
where these two lines meet is the operating angle.
(Angle A, Angle B, Angle C).
High angles combined with
high RPMs result in serious vibration problems and
reduced u-joint life.
 Driveline
angles should be equal to or within 1° of each other.
When checking driveshaft angles, be sure all tires are
inflated to their normal operating pressure. Park
the vehicle on the surface which is as nearly level as
possible both from front to back and from side to side.
Also remember to check driveshaft angles while the
vehicle is unloaded, and again when it is loaded.
This can tell you a lot about operating vibrations that
are only present under certain conditions.
 To
obtain the operating angles of your total driveshaft
requires making measurements of the transmission slope,
secondary driveshaft slope (if present), and axle slope.
Using your Spicer
Anglemaster® II or Anglemaster® Pro digital driveline
inclinometer, determine the operating angles by placing
the instrument on the driveline components. Begin
with the transmission and work toward the axle.
To calculate operating
angles with the Spicer Anglemaster® II or Anglemaster®
Pro, follow these five easy steps:
-
Place the unit on the first
slope (Slope A) and allow the reading to stabilize
approximately 10 seconds.
-
Push the "Alt Zero" button.
-
The display will read 0.0° and the "Alt Zero" button
indicator will flash. The slope you are using will
be the new reference.
-
Move the unit to the next adjacent slope (Slope B). The
reading obtained is the operating angle of the two
slopes (Angle A).
-
To obtain additional operating angles, push the "Alt
Zero" button again, and then repeat the above process
starting at the second slope (Slope B as the Alternate
Zero and measure Slope C to get Angle B).
NOTE: For maximum
universal joint life, angles should be 3° or less.
|
