Drive Axles, Bearings and Joints: Description and Operation

Driveline System - General Information

Overview

Driveline System

The driveline system consists of the following components:
- RH (Right Hand) halfshaft with inner and outer CV (Constant Velocity) joint
- Intermediate shaft bearing that supports the inner RH (Right Hand) halfshaft CV (Constant Velocity) joint
- LH (Left Hand) halfshaft with inner and outer CV (Constant Velocity) joint
- A circlip retains the LH (Left Hand) halfshaft inner CV (Constant Velocity) joint in the transaxle differential side gears
- Splined outer CV (Constant Velocity) joints that mesh with the front drive hubs
- Outboard CV (Constant Velocity) joint wheel hub nuts that secure the CV (Constant Velocity) joints to the wheel hubs

The transaxle contains the differential assembly. The differential receives torque directly from the transmission. Inside the differential, side gears are splined to the LH (Left Hand) inboard CV (Constant Velocity) joint and intermediate shaft. The differential allows the halfshaft and intermediate shaft to be driven at different speeds as required, such as when cornering. The rotational direction of the halfshafts determines the vehicle movement. The articulation of the front wheels, both in steering and normal jounce and rebound, is controlled by the CV (Constant Velocity) joint. Both plunge and multi-ball style CV (Constant Velocity) joints are used. The CV (Constant Velocity) joints are permanently lubricated with a special high temperature grease and require no periodic maintenance.

Halfshaft Handling

Handle all halfshaft components carefully during removal and installation and during various component disassembly and assembly procedures.
- Never pick up or hold the halfshaft by the inboard or outboard CV (Constant Velocity) joint.
- Do not over angle the CV (Constant Velocity) joints.
- Damage occurs to an assembled inboard CV (Constant Velocity) joint if it is over extended outward from the joint housing.
- Never use a hammer to remove or install the halfshafts from the front hub.
- Never use the halfshaft assembly as a lever to position other components. Always support the free end of the halfshaft.
- Do not allow the boots to contact sharp edges or hot exhaust components.
- Do not bend or dent the halfshafts transmission seal protector cups.
- Do not install halfshafts that have bent or dented transmission seal protector cups.
- To prevent pull apart and possible damage to the CV (Constant Velocity) joint handle the halfshaft by the interconnecting shaft only.
- Excessive pulling force on the interconnecting shaft between the joints of the halfshaft results in internal joint damage. Apply axial loads used in assisting removal through the inboard joint housing only.
- Do not drop assembled halfshafts. The impact cuts the boots from the inside without evidence of external damage.
- Do not remove the outer CV (Constant Velocity) joint by pulling on the interconnecting shaft.
- Inspect all machined surfaces and splines for damage.
- Do not allow the ball joint stud to contact the CV (Constant Velocity) joint boot when disconnecting the lower arm.
- Use a seal protector when installing shafts into the differential.