Axle Shaft Assembly: Description and Operation

HALF SHAFT
DESCRIPTION
All Models except Diesel and Turbo





1.6/2.4L naturally aspirated models equipped with either an automatic or manual transmission use an unequal-length halfshaft system. The system incorporates two halfshaft assemblies (left and right) that consist of an inner and outer constant velocity (CV) joint and a solid interconnecting shaft (5, 14). The right halfshaft is longer than the left due to transaxle packaging and powertrain design.

Halfshafts used on both the right and left sides of the vehicle use a tuned rubber damper weight (4) mounted to the interconnecting shaft (5,14). The damper weight applications vary by which side of the vehicle the halfshaft is located on and the transmission application of the vehicle. When replacing a halfshaft, be sure the replacement halfshaft has the same damper weight as the original.

OPERATION
Halfshaft assemblies are designed to transmit power from the transaxle to the front wheels, while allowing for powertrain and suspension flex.