Axle Shaft Assembly: Description and Operation

Front Drive Halfshaft and Joint Assembly (4x4 only)

The front wheel driveshaft joints: transmit equal engine torque from the axle to both front wheels. use a Constant Velocity (CV) joint, at both the inboard and outboard ends, for operating smoothness. rotate at approximately one-third the speed of a driveshaft and do not normally contribute to any rotational vibration that may occur.
The only replaceable components of the front wheel driveshaft and joints are:
^ Wheel driveshaft and joint boots (inboard and outboard).The replacement kit includes wheel driveshaft and joint boots and clamps, snap rings, retainer ring and grease.
^ Inboard CV joint (plunge type).
^ Side shaft. Replacement includes the outboard front wheel halfshaft joint (fixed type), outboard boot and clamps, front wheel excluder seal (assembled on the interconnecting shaft).

Rear Drive Halfshafts
^ The RH and LH halfshafts are different lengths, with the RH halfshaft being the longer of the two.
^ Inboard and outboard CV joints connect to a splined shaft. A circlip stopper holds the cross groove inboard race assembly (inboard CV joint) together.
^ An axle circlip retains the splined inboard CV joint to the differential side gear. Install a new axle circlip every time you remove the halfshaft from the vehicle.
^ A rear axle wheel hub retainer secures the side shaft assembly (interconnecting shaft and outboard CV joint) to the rear hub. Install a new rear axle wheel hub retainer every time you remove the halfshaft from the vehicle.

Halfshaft Handling

CAUTION: Never pick up or hold the halfshaft only by the inboard or outboard CV joint.

NOTE: Only the inner CV joints are removable for replacement of the CV boots and clamps. The boots and clamps are the only serviced parts of the halfshaft assembly.

Handle all halfshaft components carefully during removal and installation procedures.
The halfshaft assemblies are not repairable. Install a new assembly if worn/damaged.
To separate the halfshaft from the rear hub, press the outboard CV joint from the rear hub.
To separate the halfshaft from the differential, apply a load to the back face of the inboard CV joint assembly to overcome the axle circlip. Do not over-angle the CV joints.
Damage will occur to an assembled inboard CV joint if it is over-plunged outward from the joint housing.
Never use a hammer to remove or install the halfshafts.
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.
Handle the halfshaft only by the interconnecting shaft to avoid pull-apart and potential damage to the CV joints.
Do not drop assembled halfshafts. The impact will cut the boots from the inside without evidence of external damage.

Wheel and Tire Balancing, Rear

WARNING: Do not balance the rear wheels and tires while mounted on the vehicle.

Hoisting

CAUTION: Use a frame-contact hoist only. Vehicle or component damage can result if other types of hoists are used.

Never raise the vehicle using the halfshafts as lift points.

Undercoating and Rustproofing
During undercoating and rustproofing procedures, protect the boots from the coating materials. Foreign materials on the rubber boots will cause extreme advanced wear.