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Getting Familiar with the Fuse Box
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By Counterman
The driveshaft coupler might be one of the most overlooked undercar components. It’s known by many other names, such as driveshaft coupling, flexible driveline coupling, driveshaft coupler flex joint and flex disc.
You also might know this part as a “giubo,” a term that was coined by its inventor, Antonio Boschi. You’re most likely to be familiar with it if you have customers who own European luxury vehicles, but you’ll also find it on some domestic applications.
The driveshaft coupler connects the transmission, driveshaft and differential, ensuring a smooth transfer of rotational motion and optimal road performance.
You can think of the driveshaft coupler as a vibration dampener. Whenever the transmission transfers power to the differential, the driveshaft coupler loads up to dampen the vibrations, and it prevents driveline misalignments. On a Mercedes, you’re likely to find two driveshaft couplers: one in the front and one in the back. But you also might encounter this component on a number of other makes and models, including late-model and classic applications.
Driveshaft couplers also can help compensate for misalignments. Vehicles are subject to various forces and flexing while in motion, leading to potential misalignments in the drivetrain. Driveshaft couplers can flex to accommodate these misalignments, ensuring continuous power transmission without undue stress on other components.
The design of a driveshaft coupler must account for several factors, including torque requirements, rotational speeds, temperature ranges and the types of loads (static, dynamic, shock) it will encounter. The materials used – such as rubber, polyurethane or advanced composites – are selected based on their ability to provide flexibility, durability and resistance to wear, heat and chemical exposure.
Rubber is commonly used for its excellent vibration-dampening properties and flexibility, while polyurethane offers greater durability and resistance to oils and chemicals, albeit with a slight increase in transmitted vibration.
Driveshaft couplers tend to last a long time. But, given that they’re called into action every time the throttle opens or closes or a gear change occurs, they’re not invincible. While driveshaft couplers are designed for durability, they are, by nature, wear items. Over time, the stress of torque transmission, exposure to environmental elements and the constant flexing can lead to material degradation.
As a driveshaft coupler wears out, it loses its ability to absorb vibrations and reduce shock forces. When that occurs, drivers and passengers are going to feel it. Symptoms include vibrations or a clunking sound emanating from underneath the vehicle, which might get worse as the vehicle accelerates. A rough shifting feeling when putting the vehicle in drive or reverse is another potential sign of a failing flex disc.
Why are driveshaft couplers more prevalent on European vehicles? Well, there are several explanations. One is that European automakers prioritize precision engineering, ride quality and handling in their vehicle designs. The use of driveshaft couplers aligns with this philosophy, as these components enhance driveline smoothness and absorb vibrations, leading to a more comfortable and refined driving experience. Plus, European drivers tend to have high expectations regarding vehicle dynamics and comfort, and driveshaft couplers ensure smoother power delivery and reduce NVH levels.
Also, European cars – especially luxury and performance models – frequently feature rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive configurations, which inherently require more complex drivetrain layouts. Driveshaft couplers are essential in these setups to manage the alignment and movement between the transmission, driveshaft and differential.
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By NAPA
There comes a point in a DIYer’s life when it is time to put down some wrenching roots in the form of a garage tool box. You may have walked into a friend’s garage or workshop and been in awe of a tool box the size of a tractor trailer. But even owners of serious tool investments had to start somewhere building their collection. Here’s how to build a tool box matched to your garage and your project needs.
Consider The Space
Before you start to build your own tool box you need to take stock of your situation. Your available garage space is going to guide your tool box options. Take time to measure the spaces you are considering to place a tool box, including overhead height limitations. Some tool boxes have hinged lids so you need to account for overhead space if you plan on opening it. If you are planning on placing the tool box on a table or shelf, make sure it is well reinforced to handle the weight of a fully loaded box.
Now that you know what kind of space you have available, let’s look at how to build a tool box that suits your needs.
Workbench Top Tool Box link hidden, please login to view
Starting small is perfectly fine. A good starting point can be a
link hidden, please login to view with drawers. It fits easily on a shelf or a work bench while giving your tools a home base. This is a great step between a portable tool kit and a dedicated garage tool box because it can still be picked up and taken along for a mobile repair. When the time comes to grow your storage space a great next step is adding a rolling bottom base cabinet and simply dropping your current portable tool box on top.
Rolling Cart Tool Box
Sometimes a good starter garage tool box is a
link hidden, please login to view. This is especially true if you need to tuck your tools away in a corner when not in use or if your workspace isn’t always in the same place. If you find yourself working in the driveway one day and in the garage the next day, having a rolling tool cart makes sense. The key here is flexibility and mobility. Nice big casters make for easy rolling on uneven surfaces and across expansion joints. Most rolling tool carts are open at the bottom making a great place to store bulky items like jack stands or work lights and cords. The top doubles as a workbench where you can lay out components and stage tools. Depending on the layout there may be an open storage space under a hinged top, which is great for storing sockets and wrenches. There will likely only be three or four drawers, so you will need to be thoughtful about what tools you need for your projects. But the best part about a rolling cart is that it is always handy no matter how big your tool collection. Even if you graduate to a monster technician box, a rolling cart is the perfect portable job organizer. Stacked Chest Tool Box
If you have been collecting tools for years you may have already amassed quite a stack of tool bags, molded cases, tool rolls, and more filled with tools. If it is time for your nomadic tool collection to find a home, a stacked tool chest may be just the thing. This is the classic two-piece setup most people picture when you think of a mechanic’s shop. A
link hidden, please login to view with drawers with a separate link hidden, please login to view on top are nearly universal. The key with this combination is drawer space, lots and lots of drawer space. This lets you split out all those tools into their own spot so you don’t have to dig through them anymore. Hybrid Tool Box
For some people there will always be the need to take your tools on the road. Luckily Milwaukee’s PACKOUT system lets you build a tool box kit that is perfectly suited to your needs at home or on the go. Pick up a
link hidden, please login to view and a link hidden, please login to view for the perfect hybrid home-travel tool box. The PACKOUT modular storage system work like building blocks allowing you to create an entire wall of tool storage that is ready to go when necessary. Get Organized
No matter which tool box you choose you will want to keep things orderly. Organization will come down to your own preferences, but with your new found tool storage space it is recommended to label the drawers to cut down on search time. You can also buy or build
link hidden, please login to viewto help keep things in their place. Check out all the
link hidden, please login to viewavailable on link hidden, please login to view, or trust one of our 17,000 link hidden, please login to view for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information how to build your first garage tool box, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your link hidden, please login to view. Photo courtesy of
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By Auto News
link hidden, please login to viewIt’s back-to-school time and the Car Care Council wants to help families get their vehicles ready for car pools, playdates, soccer games and more. An informative new video from the non-profit organization provides motorists a with a five-point checklist to be performed before the start of the school year. “There is always a lot to do before school starts and making sure your vehicle is running safely and efficiently should be at the top of that ‘to-do’ list,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Our new back-to-school video offers maintenance and safety tips to help parents and their precious passengers travel safely to and from school and all kinds of activities.”
Produced in conjunction with AutoNetTV (ANTV), the Car Care Council’s
link hidden, please login to view highlights five areas that should be checked to make sure vehicles are kid-safe and road ready: Check lights and wipers for visibility.With shorter days and inclement weather ahead, make sure lights and wipers function properly so that you can see and be seen. Check wiper blades for signs of wear and replace if necessary. Get an annual brake inspection. The braking system is your car’s most important safety feature. Before carpool season gets in full swing, make sure that your brakes are functioning properly. Schedule a brake inspection and look for link hidden, please login to viewthat your vehicle may need brake service, such as an illuminated brake light or screeching, grinding or clicking noises when applying the brakes. Check tires for under inflation or excessive wear.Check tire pressure and refill underinflated tires, including the spare, and look for uneven wear and check tread depth. Make sure everyone is buckled up. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website has important tips on link hidden, please login to view. For the younger ones riding along, the site has information about how to install car seats as well as guidelines on selecting a car seat or booster based on your child’s age and size. Consider a back-up detection device.Consider having a back-up detection device installed that provides rearview video or warning sounds when moving in reverse. While drivers should not rely solely on these devices, they can help to reduce the risk of back-over incidents along with following other link hidden, please login to view from NHTSA. To learn more about keeping your vehicle in safe, dependable working condition, visit
link hidden, please login to viewand follow the Car Care Council on link hidden, please login to view, link hidden, please login to view, link hidden, please login to view and link hidden, please login to view. The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For the latest car care news, visit the council’s online media room at
link hidden, please login to view. To order a free copy of the popular Car Care Guide, visit the council’s consumer education website at link hidden, please login to view. The post
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By OReilly Auto Parts
How to install the Dorman Air Filter Box (Part #258519) in a '05-'07 Ford Focus. Shop Air Filter Box:
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