There are several types of CV (Constant Velocity) joints, each designed to meet specific needs based on the movement, angle, and durability required by different vehicles and drivetrain setups. Here are the primary types:

1. Ball-Type CV Joint

• Description: The ball-type CV joint, also known as the Rzeppa joint, is one of the most common types used in front-wheel-drive vehicles. It has a spherical housing with six grooves that hold ball bearings, allowing the joint to rotate smoothly at various angles.
• Application: This joint is often used on the outer side of the drive shaft, where it connects to the wheel. Its design allows for efficient torque transmission even when the wheels are turned or the suspension moves.
• Advantages: Excellent flexibility and ability to operate at high angles, making it ideal for front-wheel-drive cars where the wheels pivot for steering.

2. Tripod CV Joint

• Description: The tripod CV joint has three rollers, or “tripods,” mounted on needle bearings within a three-pronged yoke. The rollers fit into slots in the joint housing, allowing movement up and down and side to side while rotating.
• Application: Often used on the inner side of the drive shaft, closer to the transmission, the tripod CV joint accommodates axial movement better than other types, making it useful for situations where the drive shaft length needs to vary as the suspension compresses and extends.
• Advantages: Better suited for accommodating in-and-out movement along the axle, allowing flexibility as the suspension moves.

3. Double Offset CV Joint

• Description: This joint has a similar design to the ball-type CV joint but with two offset sections. The double offset joint uses a set of balls positioned within tracks in a cage, allowing for smooth rotation at various angles.
• Application: Commonly found in rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive vehicles with independent suspension setups.
• Advantages: Provides smooth operation and accommodates larger angles than some other types, ideal for handling higher torque in rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive systems.

4. Fixed CV Joint

• Description: The fixed CV joint does not allow axial movement along the drive shaft but permits angular movement. Fixed CV joints are similar to the Rzeppa joint in that they use ball bearings in a grooved housing.
• Application: Typically used on the outer end of the drive shaft, where a stable but flexible connection to the wheel is needed.
• Advantages: Offers stability and durability, especially for outer joints in high-angle applications.

5. Plunging CV Joint

• Description: A plunging CV joint is designed to move axially along the shaft, allowing the drive shaft to change length slightly. These joints usually include a tripod design with rollers that can slide in and out of the housing.
• Application: Often used as the inner CV joint in front-wheel-drive vehicles, or in rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive vehicles with independent suspension.
• Advantages: Essential for accommodating the shifting length of the drive shaft as the suspension moves up and down.

6. Double Cardan Joint

• Description: The double Cardan joint consists of two U-joints connected in series with a center yoke. It allows for a broader range of motion and greater flexibility compared to other CV joint types.
• Application: Commonly used in off-road and rear-wheel-drive applications, particularly where a high-angle connection between the transmission and drive shaft is needed.
• Advantages: Capable of handling extreme angles while reducing vibration, making it suitable for trucks, SUVs, and off-road vehicles.

7. Constant Velocity Joint with Spherical Roller Bearings

• Description: This type uses spherical roller bearings instead of ball bearings, allowing it to handle larger loads and transmit higher torque.
• Application: Typically found in heavy-duty applications where a robust CV joint is required, such as in industrial or large commercial vehicles.
• Advantages: Offers increased durability and torque handling, ideal for heavy-duty or high-stress environments.

Summary Table

CV Joint Type	Key Features	Typical Application
Ball-Type (Rzeppa)	Spherical housing, 6 ball bearings	Outer drive shaft in front-wheel-drive vehicles
Tripod Joint	Three rollers in a tripod yoke	Inner drive shaft, accommodates axial movement
Double Offset	Two offset sections with ball bearings	Rear-wheel/all-wheel-drive with independent suspension
Fixed CV Joint	Allows angular but not axial movement	Outer drive shaft, high-angle stability
Plunging CV Joint	Allows axial movement, often with tripod design	Inner drive shaft, accommodates suspension movement
Double Cardan Joint	Two U-joints in series, high flexibility	Off-road, trucks, high-angle applications
Spherical Roller CV	Uses spherical rollers for heavy load tolerance	Industrial, heavy-duty vehicles

This overview provides a complete look at the different CV joint types, highlighting their unique designs and specific applications.