Wheel Drive Shafts Description and Operation (Rear)

Wheel Drive Shafts Description and Operation (Rear)

The rear wheel drive axles are flexible assemblies.

The rear wheel drive axles consist of the following components:

* 2 wheel drive inner and outer shaft constant velocity (CV) joints
* A wheel drive shaft
The wheel drive shaft connects the wheel drive shaft CV joints.

The wheel drive shaft CV joints are completely flexible. Both wheel drive shaft CV joints cannot move in and out.

Boots And Clamps

The rear wheel drive shaft CV joint boots on the wheel drive axle are made of a thermoplastic material.

The clamps on the rear wheel drive axle boots are made of stainless steel.

The boots provide the following functions:

* Protection of the internal parts of the wheel drive shaft CV joints.
The boots protect the grease from the following sources of damage:

- Harmful atmospheric conditions, such as extreme temperatures or ozone gas
- Foreign material, such as dirt or water

* Allows the angular and the axial movement of the rear wheel drive shaft joints.

Note: Protect the boots from sharp tools and from the sharp edges of the surrounding components.

Note: Any damage to the boots or the clamps will result in leakage. Leakage will allow water to leak into the rear wheel drive shaft CV joints. Damage will also allow grease to leak out of the wheel drive shaft CV joints.

Leakage and the loss to grease may cause noisy wheel drive shaft CV operation and eventual failure of the internal components.

The clamps provide a leak proof connection for the wheel drive shaft CV joints at the following locations:

* The CV housing
* The wheel drive shaft

The thermoplastic material performs well under normal conditions and normal operation. However, the material is not strong enough to withstand the following conditions:

* Abusive handling
* Damage from sharp objects, such as tools or sharp edges of the surrounding vehicle components

Rear Wheel Drive Shaft Constant Velocity Joints

The rear wheel drive shaft constant velocity joint are made with the Rzeppa Design. The shaft end (which mates with the knuckle hub) has a helical spline. The helical spline ensures a tight press-type fit. This design prevents end play between the hub and the front wheel drive shaft.