Fixture for identifying phase angle relationships in a steering shaft assembly

摘要

A fixture for identifying the phase angle relationships between two universal joints secured to the ends of a steering shaft assembly includes first and second universal joint assemblies which are connected together by a shaft assembly. The shaft assembly includes a male splitted member which is secured to a first inboard yoke of the first universal joint assembly. The male splined member extends within and cooperates with a female splined member of the shaft assembly. The shaft assembly also includes a hollow cylindrical extension member having a first end which is secured to a second inboard yoke of the second universal joint assembly. The extension member has a second end which is journalled on a reduced diameter end portion of the female splined member. Thus, the extension member and the second universal joint can be rotated relative to the female splined member and the first universal joint assembly. A band is provided on the outer surface of the female splined member at the end adjacent to the reduced diameter portion and the extension member. The band has a series of indicia which are visible throughout the entire outer surface of the female splined member. A 0 DEG reference point of the indicia is axially aligned with the first inboard yoke of the first universal joint assembly. A reference arrow is provided on the outer surface of the extension member at the end adjacent to the extension member. The reference arrow terminates in a point which is directly adjacent to the indicia. The reference arrow is axially aligned with the second inboard yoke of the second universal joint assembly. The indicia and the reference arrow cooperate to provide an indication of the phase angle between the first and second universal joint assemblies.