🔩 What “Double Cross” Means
In driveline and steering terminology, “Double Cross” generally refers to a universal joint assembly that uses two universal joints in series — often in the propeller shaft or steering shaft where a single cross (U‑joint) isn’t enough to accommodate the required angle or alignment smoothly. However, in everyday parts listings for vehicles like the Tata Sumo and Sumo Victa, the term “Double Cross” is commonly used to describe a universal joint cross (U‑joint) part that can accommodate double articulation or is part of an assembly that has two joints.
✔ A universal joint cross (often simply called a cross or U‑joint) is a four‑armed steel bearing that allows two shafts (like the propeller shaft segments or steering shaft segments) to transmit torque while handling angular misalignment between them.
✔ In many driveline designs, when the propeller shaft or steering linkage needs more flexibility due to large angles or complex movement paths, two universal joints are used in series — forming what’s colloquially referred to as a “double cross” setup (one on each end of an intermediate shaft).
🔧 Where It Is Used on Tata Sumo Victa
Propeller Shaft: In some older designs, the Tata Sumo Victa’s driveline may use a universal joint cross at either end of the propeller shaft or intermediate shaft. When both ends are used together (especially in longer shafts), this assembly is informally referred to as a “double cross” section.
Steering Shaft: Steering columns that have long linkage or offset angles also sometimes use two U‑joints to maintain smooth steering motion with less vibration.