Of course it is :) It's nice-nicer-nicest. And remember-there's no such thing as a real word.. If a word is used and people understand it, then it is just as real â¦ as any word in any dictionary, or any word approved by your English teacher!
In British English, the term drive shaft is restricted to a transverse shaft that transmits power to the wheels, especially the front wheels. A drive shaft connecting the gearbox to a rear differential is called a propeller shaft, or prop-shaft. A prop-shaft assembly consists of a propeller shaft, a slip joint and one or more universal joints.
It is actually a pretty simple mechanism. A rack-and-pinion gearset is enclosed in a metal tube, with each end of the rack protruding from the tube. A rod, called a tie rod, connects to each end of the rack. The pinion gear is attached to the steering shaft. When you turn the steering wheel, the gear spins, moving the rack. The tie rod at each end of the rack connects to the steering arm on the spindle (see diagram above). The rack-and-pinion gearset does two things: 1  It converts the rotational motion of the steering wheel into the linear motion needed to turn the wheels. 2  It provides a gear reduction, making it easier to turn the wheels.