Method for balancing a vehicle driveshaft

Abstract

A method for rotatably balancing a driveshaft includes the initial step of using a conventional balancing apparatus is used to determined the size and location of the balance weights needed to properly balance the driveshaft. Next, an adhesive material is applied to either or both of the driveshaft and the balance weight. The balance weight is preferably formed having an inner surface that is curved to conform with the curvature of the outer surface of the driveshaft. The preferred balance weight is further formed having a relatively thin outer peripheral rim portion having a plurality of radially outwardly extending teeth formed thereon. The overall size of the balance weight may be varied to provide differing amounts of weight for facilitating the balancing process. A sufficient quantity of adhesive material is provided between the driveshaft and the balance weight such that when the balance weight is pressed against the driveshaft, at least a portion of the adhesive material is extruded outwardly into contact with at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the balance weight. The extruded portion of the adhesive material is then exposed to an accelerated curing process, such as ultraviolet radiation, heat, and the like, so as to cure at least that portion of the adhesive material to temporarily secure the balance weight to the driveshaft, thereby allowing the driveshaft to be immediately re-tested on the balancing apparatus to confirm that proper rotational balance has been achieved. The uncured first portion of the adhesive material located between the driveshaft and the balance weight 40 will later cure without the use of any accelerated curing process to permanently secure the balance weight to the driveshaft.

1 - 13 . (canceled)  
     
     
         14 . A method of manufacturing a driveshaft for use in a vehicular drive train assembly comprising the steps of: 
 (a) providing a driveshaft;    (b) providing a balance weight;    (c) providing an adhesive material between the driveshaft and the balance weight;    (d) moving the driveshaft and the balance weight toward one another such that a first portion of the adhesive material is disposed between the driveshaft and the balance weight and a second portion of the adhesive material is not disposed between the driveshaft and the balance weight;    (e) initially curing the second portion of the adhesive material to temporarily retain the balance weight on the driveshaft; and    (f) subsequently curing the first portion of the adhesive material to permanently retain the balance weight on the driveshaft.