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S5 Tool Steel for Driveshafts

11/14/2010 12:53 AM

Why isn't S5 tool steel not used to make vehicle driveshafts? Yield and ultimate strength are higher than 4340. I've been having an interesting debate with someone else as to its applicability compared to 4340 steel. I thought it came down to machineability, availability, and price. Any other good arguments for or against use of tool steels for drive shafts?

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#1

Re: S5 Tool steel for driveshafts

11/14/2010 1:01 AM

Cost? GM used plastic for a while in some pickups.

Cost. and cost.

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#2

Re: S5 Tool steel for driveshafts

11/14/2010 2:36 AM

Could the brittleness be an issue?

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#7
In reply to #2

Re: S5 Tool steel for driveshafts

11/16/2010 4:35 PM

I'm not sure if S5 is more notch sensitive or brittle compared to 4340.

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#3

Re: S5 Tool steel for driveshafts

11/14/2010 3:56 AM

Among the reasons the driveshafts aren't made of a stronger material , I believe, it is designed to be the weakest point in the driveline. If the driveshaft didn't yield, something else more expensive to replace would have to give.

h

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#6
In reply to #3

Re: S5 Tool steel for driveshafts

11/16/2010 4:34 PM

This is interesting. Are you talking from experience or is this something you heard from somewhere? I can see a u-joint or a rod-end being made the most weakest point in the driveline but not really the shafts themselves. I would like more elaboration on this concept.

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#4

Re: S5 Tool steel for driveshafts

11/14/2010 6:11 AM

look up cost

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#5

Re: S5 Tool Steel for Driveshafts

11/14/2010 11:57 AM

the u joint usually fails first.

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#8

Re: S5 Tool Steel for Driveshafts

12/02/2010 12:15 AM

The ZR-1 doesnt use a steel driveshaft. 4340 is used in forged crankshafts. look in the summit racing or jeggs catalog,performance driveshafts are alluminum. think about it this way in your car you drive to work. if the shaft or the u joint failed would you rather have steel or alluminum trying to harpoon you threw the floor. pastic or carbin fiber is sounding better and better.

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#9
In reply to #8

Re: S5 Tool Steel for Driveshafts

12/02/2010 12:55 PM

What about the flexible driveshaft from the old Tempests with the rear transmission?

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#10

Re: S5 Tool Steel for Driveshafts

12/02/2010 9:50 PM

bob you are showing your age

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