A crankshaft for piston engines, esp. of automobiles, comprises a hose-type (tubular) elastomer plastics core (4), a composite layer (6) of fibres and resin outside the core, bearing elements (12, 14, 20) for the main and crankshaft bearings of composite material and end elements, esp. conical rings (28) bonded to the shaft. Pref. the tubular plastics core is mounted on a straight support piece, the composite material and bearing elements are then fitted onto this and, after the temporary support piece has been removed, the necessary cranked shape is produced. The crankshaft is lightweight and economical to construct.
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