Drive Axles, Bearings and Joints: Description and Operation

Fig. 1 Disassembled View Of Halfshaft Assemblies:

Each front wheel driveshaft (halfshaft) employs constant velocity (CV) joints at both inboard (differential side) and outboard (wheel side) for vehicle operating smoothness. The constant velocity joints are connected by an interconnecting shaft which is splined at both ends and retained in the inboard and outboard constant velocity joints by snap rings, Fig. 1.

The inboard constant velocity joint may be either a tripod joint. The tripod joint is repairable. The triplan joint is not repairable and may be identified by its large round outer race. The inboard constant velocity joint stub shaft is splined and held in the differential side gear by a snap ring. The outboard constant velocity joint stub shaft is pressed on and secured with a prevailing torque nut. The constant velocity joints are lube-for-life with a special constant velocity joint grease and require no periodic lubrication. The constant velocity joint boots, however, should be periodically inspected and replaced immediately when damage or grease leakage is evident. Continued operation may result in constant velocity joint failure due to contamination or loss of the constant velocity joint grease.

Halfshaft removal is accomplished by applying a load to the back face of the inboard constant velocity joint assembly.