Abstract: A thrust washer for a bearing assembly of a Hookes universal joint, comprng a central portion (10) and a peripheral portion (13), connected by at least one web which permits the two portions to be displaced axially of the bearing assembly relative to one another as the joint is assembled so that with a peripheral portion of greater thickness than the central portion, the thrust washer can be used in place of a conventional thrust washer with a peripheral flange without requiring careful placing of the washer in the bearing cup in a particular orientation during assembly since either side or face of the washer can be inserted first in the bearing cup.

Abstract: A Hookes universal joint wherein each journal of the cross member of the joint has a lubricant chamber adjacent its outermost end, and the lubricant channel for the journal leads into a passage extending outwardly towards the free end of the journal and then inwardly to open into the chamber at its innermost end. The passage is defined by a one piece component which includes a spigot extending into lubricant channel, an outwardly extending tube, and inwardly extending tubes which terminate at the innermost end of chamber. These parts are formed in a one piece component integral with a thrust washer. The arrangement prevents lubricant drainage from the chamber when the joint is stationary.

Abstract: A splined joint between a shaft and a muff, with a support bearing in a tapered recess at the end of the muff and contractable onto the shaft to support same by a retaining member which is screwed onto the muff. The retaining member comprises a ring of a plastics or rubber material, the screw threads of which will yield to prevent over-tightening and possible binding of the bearing on the shaft.

Abstract: A method of making a universal joint outer member affording a cavity with axially extending grooves in the wall thereof for receiving torque transmitting balls, comprising fitting into a preformed outer member, of light weight material, one or more wear resistant elements which define the grooves, and subjecting the assembly to an extrusion operation to secure the groove-defining elements in position and form the outer member to size.

Abstract: An assembly of a universal joint member and a shaft having a plurality of superimposed layers of material and an adhesive bond between axially inter-fitting parts of the shaft and universal joint member, the adhesive bond being established with more than one of the layers of material of the shaft to overcome a tendency to disruption of the layers of the shaft on torque transmission. The axially inter-fitting parts may be of stopped or frusto-conical form to provide a joint surface which intersects several of the layers of the shaft.

Abstract: An assembly of a universal joint member and a shaft formed of fibre reinforced synthetic resin material is made by establishing an adhesive connection between the shaft and a connecting member, and subsequently welding the connecting member to the universal joint member. The connecting member may be adhered to the shaft by incorporating it in the structure of the shaft as the shaft is manufactured.

Abstract: An outer member for a universal joint with torque transmission by balls engaged in grooves in the outer member, comprising a first component of a lightweight material for attachment to a transmission shaft, a second component fitting closely within the first component and defining the grooves, the first and second components being keyed against relative rotation and retained together by deformation of the first component.

Abstract: A yoke for a hookes universal joint, formed of a lightweight metal and having a base, two limbs extending axially from the base, the limbs having reinforcing flanges at least adjacent to the base and the thickness of the base being such that the limbs and base form a generally U-shaped structure of high rigidity.

Abstract: A splined joint between a shaft and a muff, for the purpose of preventing dog-legging has a chamber provided at the end of the muff from which the shaft projects and a guide ring received in such chamber, the guide ring being introduced axially into the chamber past an edge afforded by the muff which removes material from the guide ring to give the required clearance between the shaft and guide ring to constrain relative radial movement between the shaft and muff.

Abstract: A splined joint between a shaft and a muff, for the purpose of preventing "dog legging", has a chamber provided at the end of the muff from which the shaft projects and a guide ring received in such chamber, the guide ring exerting constraint upon relative radial movement between the shaft and muff. The required clearance between shaft and guide ring may be obtained by providing projections within the chamber and shearing material from projections on the guide ring by rotating the guide ring relative to the muff.