FWD half shafts can be solid or tubular of equal (Figure
58-7) or unequal length (Figure 58-8), and come with
or without damper weights. Equal-length shafts are used
in some vehicles to help reduce torque steer (the tendency
to steer to one side as engine power is applied). In these
applications, an intermediate shaft is used as a link from
the transaxle to one of the half shafts. This intermediate
shaft can use an ordinary Cardan universal joint (described
later in this chapter) to a yoke at the transaxle. At
the outer end is a support bracket and bearing assembly.
looseness in the bearing or bracket can create vibrations.
These items should be included in any inspection of the
drive train components. The small damper weight, called
a torsional damper, that is sometimes attached to one half
shaft serves to dampen harmonic vibrations in the drive train
and to stabilize the shaft as it spins, not to balance
the shaft.