Torque and Speed Ratings for Universal Joint Driveshafts

Round Bearing/SAE

Shaft SeriesContinuous Torque 1 (lb x ft)Short Duration Torque 2 (lb x ft)Minimum Elastic Limit 3 (lb x ft)Maximum Operating Speed 4 (rpm)
13104008001,6006,000
13506801,2402,2605,000
14108201,5002,7005,000
14801,1002,0003,3305,000
15501,4002,4004,4005,000
16102,2003,6506,5004,500
17102,9304,8008,0004,500
18103,8006,50012,0004,500
18805,0008,90016,0003,000

Wing Bearing

Shaft SeriesContinuous Torque 1 (lb x ft)Short Duration Torque 2 (lb x ft)Minimum Elastic Limit 3 (lb x ft)Maximum Operating Speed 4 (rpm)
2C
125 600 740 6,000
3C2158501,1686,000
4C2751,0501,4735,000
5C4751,5001,8735,000
6C5751,9502,4385,000
7C9003,1004,1594,500
8C1,3254,7507,2254,500
8.5C1,5256,9508,1894,500
9C2,0759,00013,4284,500
10C3,20015,00016,8603,000
10.5C3,20015,00024,9003,000
11C4,40019,50026,0382,500
15C6,70020,00029,5102,500

DIN Series

Shaft SeriesContinuous Torque 1 (lb x ft) Short Duration Torque 2 (lb x ft) Minimum Elastic Limit 3 (lb x ft) Maximum Operating Speed 4 (rpm)
1805.97011,06016,5704,300
2258,44014,01019,2704,300
25013,28020,65038,7303,800
28518,44023,60044,8303,500

Continuous Torque:
Round Bearing:
Based on 5,000 hrs. B10 life expectancy at 100 r.p.m., 3° operating angle. 
Wing Bearing:
Based on 3,000 hrs B10 life expectancy at 2,000 rpm and at a 3° operating angle

Short Duration Torque:
Represents the joints capability to withstand momentary loading accompanying start-stop service.

Minimum Elastic Limit:
Represents the maximum torque load the joint will transmit instantaneously without brinelling bearing or yield in any part. This may be assumed to be the maximum safe shock load.

Maximum Operating Speed:
This is the maximum recommended operating speed. These numbers may fluctuate based on length and tube diameter.