GKN Automotive's "Face Spline" Technology Offers Host of Driveline Benefits

ROESRATH, Germany, March 31, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- "Face spline" technology developed by GKN Automotive provides car makers, as well as independent repair shops, with a variety of lighter, more powerful driveline options.

Faced with strict emissions targets, downsizing demands, new high-torque turbocharged engines and electric-drive systems, an increasing number of vehicle manufacturers are making use of GKN's patented face-spline technology to connect sideshaft joints to a vehicle's wheel hubs, according to Frank Huerter, the company's automotive aftermarket commercial director.

The GKN face spline:

• Is considerably less complex, as well as lighter and more compact than previous designs;
• Has a greater surface area than longitudinal shafts, which allows for torque transmission up to 50 percent greater than previously possible;
• Offers a zero-play connection to the wheel hub, simplifies assembly and is easier to maintain, and
• Has a new, space-saving membrane boot that enables articulation up to 25 degrees.

In the past, sideshafts usually were connected to a vehicle's wheel hub with a splined longitudinal shaft. GKN has replaced the more traditional longitudinal spline with a spline on the face of the joint itself, hence the name – face spline. The spline on the face joint connects with a second spline on the wheel hub. A fixing bolt secures and connects the two parts.

GKN's lighter, less complex face-spline design makes it particularly well suited for future powertrains. Weight savings at the wheel also noticeably improves ride characteristics by reducing unsprung mass by up to 20 percent.

In addition, GKN Automotive's ST technology (twin ball sideshaft with s-shaped ball track) lowers the joint's internal friction and contributes to even further improvements in fuel economy.

The sideshaft itself offers further potential for improved efficiency. GKN, for example, combines the face-spline joint with a hollow monoblock shaft that delivers exceptional stability and torsional stiffness with minimal weight to provide additional ride and fuel-economy benefits.

Huerter notes that performance improvements achieved by systems combining a face-spline joint with a monoblock hollow shaft have been so significant that many major automakers have opted to use this GKN Automotive technology almost exclusively, especially in their all-wheel-drive models.

"The growing use of our face-spline and monoblock technologies in OEM applications also promises increased sales for our aftermarket business," Huerter says. "As the developer, we now can offer our face-spline products to the replacement parts market with absolutely no compromise in design or quality.

"That means independent garages and repair shops can service and maintain the latest new-model vehicles while profiting from our efficient, high-quality driveline components."

About GKN Driveline Service

GKN Driveline Service is the world's leading supplier of original GKN driveline components and systems, covering demand for premium spare parts in the independent aftermarket. Its comprehensive range of driveline products is available through wholesalers and local parts dealers. GKN's aftermarket product range includes side shafts, joint kits, boot kits and longitudinal shafts. In addition, the company offers a wide range of suspension springs and steering components under the Spidan brand. More information can be found at: www.gknautomotive.com/en/AftermarketMotorsport/.

SOURCE GKN Driveline Service