GKN’s patented countertrack joint technology now available for the aftermarket

Oct. 17, 2018

The extensive safety and comfort equipment in modern vehicles is increasingly restricting the packaging space available for the powertrain. GKN has thus developed its series of countertrack® joints, which transmit the same power through a significantly reduced diameter (smaller by an average of ten percent).
This is facilitated by a characteristic S-shaped track profile and counter-running ball tracks – hence the name “countertrack.” This new design delivers a reduction in internal friction, temperature and package size paired with an increase in transmitted torque and maximum articulation angle. The benefits can be summarized as follows:

Power losses reduced by 30 percent across the full articulation range
Weight reduced by 15 percent while performance figures increase
Lower operating temperature means the absorption/transmission of up to 25 percent more torque

The substantial weight reduction delivers consumption and CO2 benefits in the development of new vehicle models. It also enables a longer wheelbase while retaining the same performance. This provides development engineers with more interior space and improves handling characteristics. These joints – also referred to internally by GKN as SX – are now available as replacement parts. “When carrying out a repair, it is essential to ensure that GKN countertrack joints are replaced only with joints of the same design,” says Frank Hürter, Commercial Director, GKN Automotive Independent Aftermarket. “GKN SX joints are not interchangeable with other designs. The driver would immediately notice a replacement part without the patented SX technology through a larger turning circle. Then there’s the higher risk of failure – conventional compact joints don’t offer the sideshaft as much freedom of movement as countertrack joints under full spring travel and/or full steering lock, which means the sideshaft can destroy the joint.” Find a complete overview of the available aftermarket applications on the GKN Service website under the “Product News” menu item and in the current online catalogue. http://www.gknservice.com/global/passenger_cars/product_news/product_news_2018.html