万向节即万向接头，是实现变角度动力传递的机件，用于需要改变传动轴线方向的位置，它是汽车驱动系统的万向传动装置的 “关节”部件。万向节与传动轴组合，称为万向节传动装置。 在前置发动机后轮驱动的车辆上，万向节传动装置安装在变速器输出轴与驱动桥主减速器输入轴之间；而前置发动机前轮驱动的车辆省略了传动轴，万向节安装在既负责驱动又负责转向的前桥半轴与车轮之间。
Universal joint is the universal joint, which is used to realize the power transmission of variable angle. It is used to change the position of the transmission axis. It is the "joint" component of the universal transmission device of the automobile drive system. The combination of universal joint and transmission shaft is called universal joint transmission device. On the front-engine rear-wheel-driven vehicle, the universal joint transmission device is installed between the output axle of the transmission and the input axle of the main reducer of the drive axle; while the front-wheel-driven vehicle of the front-engine omits the transmission axle, and the universal joint is installed between the front axle half axle and the wheel, which is responsible for both driving and steering.