Aluminum Shaft VS Steel Shaft, Which Should You Go With?

The driveshaft is one of a car’s most crucial parts. It sends power from the vehicle’s transmission to the differential in the vehicle’s rear. Without the driveshaft conveying power, the rear wheels would be largely worthless. The power supplied to that differential is then utilized to power the rear tires. This article will help you know more about the strengths and advantages of aluminum drive shaft vs. steel. Which should you go with?

Aluminum Shaft VS Steel Shaft

The majority of typical driveshafts are constructed of steel, but they can also be formed of a variety of other materials, each of which has pros and cons. Therefore, if you want to customize your car, you need to understand the differences between aluminum and steel driveshafts and which one would best improve your car’s performance.

1. Aluminum Driveshafts

• An aluminum shaft offers advantages over a steel shaft, but at the expense of other factors, and is frequently found in a car with aftermarket enhancements.
• The two advantages that aluminum shafts have over steel are often what drivers look for. The first of these benefits is significantly lower weight. Usually, converting to an aluminum shaft will result in a weight reduction of between 10 and 20 pounds. The engine also benefits from this reduction in weight since, like driveshafts, weight is amplified when it needs to rotate. It is easier for your engine if there is less weight to revolve. 
• The second most compelling benefit to consumers is aluminum’s superior resistance to more extreme weather conditions compared to steel. In particular, drivers frequently switch to aluminum driveshafts in icy settings. This is due to aluminum’s resistance to rust, which steel is not. This increases its durability in environments where steel driveshafts would typically wear out and rot. Although aluminum is resistant to rust, it still corrodes and needs to be regularly inspected.

• Aluminum Shaft Anodes specifically serve its purpose as an important part of a galvanic cathodic protection system, which is used to stop corrosion of underground or submerged metal structures like pipelines, tanks, and other related machinery, is an aluminum anode, which is galvanic anodes. Shaft Anodes that are made from Mil-Spec Aluminum Alloy is/has: suitable for use in fresh, brackish, and saltwater, have self-cleaning capabilities, and are active compared to zinc, the most well-liked series of aluminum shaft anodes worldwide. In addition to being 20 times less toxic than zinc anodes, they operate at a slightly lower voltage providing better protection, last longer, and function in any type of water, and all boats, especially those that operate in fresh or brackish water, are strongly advised to use this as an alternative to zinc anodes.
• Ceramic Coated Aluminum Shafting has exceptional corrosion resistance and vibration resistance, making it perfect for use in polluted applications. The designer has flexibility thanks to the availability of solid round or pre-drilled versions. The pre-drilled aluminum support rail can be coupled with the pre-drilled metric ceramic-coated shafting for fully supported applications to support heavy loads. Another choice is custom-end machining.

2. Steel Driveshafts

• The most typical driveshaft you’ll come across is one made of steel, and that’s probably what your automobile had when you originally bought it.
• Steel driveshafts are more affordable to buy than driveshafts made of other materials since they are so popular among automakers. However, just because they are the most affordable choice you have does not imply that they are of inferior quality. Steel shafts are strong enough to withstand some abuse while yet being able to effectively reduce noises and vibrations while you are driving. Despite being stuck and factory standards, they are nevertheless capable of performing the task.

Disadvantages of Steel and Aluminum Driveshafts

Despite the listed advantages of steel and aluminum shafts, there are still drawbacks to these materials:

• While aluminum has the advantage of being lighter than steel, it is also a weaker metal because of this. Aluminum shafts are much more likely to break, but when they do, aluminum shears are. This produces hazardous, jagged edges that could endanger both you and the interior workings of your car. Aluminum shafts also do not lessen noise or vibration, which is another drawback. Driving will become less comfortable as a result, and it may even be distracting.
• The major disadvantage of a steel driveshaft is its weight; while it is true that this adds to the shaft’s endurance, it also makes your car heavier. Steel driveshafts are much heavier than those constructed of other materials. Your car’s engine will have to work harder to turn the shaft as a result of the additional weight.

Bushing Material For Aluminum Shaft

There are numerous materials that can be used to create bushings, including bronze, steel-backed babbitt, plastic, nylon, and cast iron. The type of use the bushing will see is crucial to the material design. The component must be supported and shielded from damage by the bushing material.

Because it comes in so many different alloys and compositions, bronze continues to be a popular option for bushings and is, therefore, applicable in a wide range of applications. Compared to bushings made of other materials, bronze ones are stronger and less likely to shatter or deform. Therefore, a bronze bushing aluminum shaft is highly recommended.

The Best Bearing Shaft Material

There must be a standard range that can satisfy even the most stringent standards, given the abundance of standard materials and bearings. In order to get the optimum features of your plans, find, calculate, and order the optimal bearing immediately for everything from food to seawater to extremely hot temperatures.

These are the following factors that you have to consider in choosing the best bearing shaft material:

• Cost Factor

For the majority of businesses, cutting costs is crucial. The bearings used to run on low-cost shafting have a significant impact on its usability. For instance, highly smooth (≤ 4rms) and durable (60HRC or more) shafting is required for ball bearings. Similar to steel bearings, bronze bearings require a shafting that is harder than the bronze itself.

• Materials Shafting & Particle Damage

How easily soft and hard particles might harm shafts and bearings is another consideration. Particles like paper fibers, dust, and dirt can cause issues, and both surfaces may experience higher wear if they get in between a bearing and its mating surface. Because the bearing is free of grease or oil, self-lubricating bearings can solve this problem. This means that dirt particles won’t be able to harm the bearing and shaft as quickly. Among the options for shafting materials are aluminum, case-hardened steel, stainless steel, and chrome-plated steel, just to name a few. Each of these materials has a unique impact on how a bearing wears out. A significant factor is the shaft material’s hardness and roughness. For instance, hard chromed shafts are extremely hard yet smooth.

• Wear Factors

Since coefficients of friction and shaft materials are directly related, wear might become an issue if the shaft is excessively rough. When the bearing is moving, extremely rough shafting can serve as a file and separate small particles from the bearing’s surface. However, if a shaft is too smooth, the shafting and bearing surfaces may stick to one another, increasing friction. Stick-slip, which makes a loud squeaking sound and occurs when there is a significant discrepancy between static and dynamic friction together with adhesion between mating surfaces, might become an issue.

Where to find shaft manufacturers in Bangkok?

Whether you used steel or aluminum, you could be unsure of the best manufacturer to meet all of your needs with high-quality automobile components. Without switching between manufacturers, you may get anything from aluminum shaft anodes, ceramic-coated aluminum shafts, bronze bushing aluminum shafts, bushing material for aluminum shafts, hollow aluminum shafts, and keyed aluminum shafts. 

For all of your vehicle requirements, turn to Fortune Cross (Thailand) Co, Ltd. It is a reputable producer and supplier of finely machined parts, including those for automobiles, motorcycles, and electric devices. The company has received accreditation from ISO and the IATF for the high-quality standards it upholds throughout every step of the manufacturing process, including turning, milling, drilling, broaching, hobbing, and various types of finish grinding and honing in addition to the use of high-quality components and trained personnel.

Final Thoughts!

You need to know which driveshaft is best for your typical vehicle use after weighing the pros and downsides of steel vs. aluminum driveshafts. Consider steel if you plan to use it frequently. Aluminum might be the best option if the environment where you reside is one that can cause your car to rust.

If you still have questions about which driveshafts to use and are looking for a highly regarded manufacturer and distributor of electrical components, motorcycle parts, and precision machined automobile parts, you can visit https://www.fortune-cross.com/th/ and benefit from its business opportunities. It promotes individual accountability and honesty and aims to make the most precisely made motorcycle parts and electrical components at the most competitive costs.