Drive Axles, Bearings and Joints: Description and Operation

1. FRONT AXLE
A: General
The inboard end of the axle shaft is connected to the transmission via a constant velocity joint (double offsetjoint: DOJ or shudder-less freering tripod joint: SFJ) which provides flexible capabilities in the longitudinal direction while the outboard end is supported by taper roller bearings located inside the housing via a bell joint (13J) which features a large operating angle. Since the drive shaft employs constant velocity joints, it provides smooth, even rotation of the drive wheels without any vibration,

- The bearing utilizes a preloaded, non-adjustable tapered roller unit design. The hub is fitted to the tapered roller bearing inside the housing.

- The BJs spindle is "serration-fitted" to the hub and is clinched to it with axle nuts.

- The disc rotor is an external mounting type. It is secured together with the disc wheel using hub bolts to facilitate maintenance of the disc rotor.






B: Front Drive Shaft
- For the constant-velocity joint on the transmission side, the double offset joint (DOJ) and the shudder-less freering tripod joint (SFJ) are adopted. DOJ slides in the axial direction and also provides the maximum operating angle of 230. SFJ slides in the axial direction and also provides the maximum operating angle of 250.

- For the constant-velocity joint on the wheel side, the bell joint (13J) are adopted. The maximum operating angle of BJ is 47.50.

- On all models, resin BJ boots are adopted to improve durability.






2. REAR AXLE
1. AWD Model
- The inboard end of the axle shaft is connected to the transmission via a constant velocity joint (double offset joint: DOJ) which provides flexible capabilities in the longitudinal direction.
- The outboard end is supported by taper roller bearings located inside the housing via a bell joint (BJ) which features a large operating angle. Since the drive shaft employs constant velocity joints, it provides smooth, even rotation of the drive wheels without any vibration.
- The bearing is a preloaded, non-adjustable taper roller unit type. The hub is fitted to the taper roller bearing inside the housing.
- The BJ's spindle is serration-fitted to the hub and is clinched to it with axle nuts.
- The disc rotor is externally mounted to facilitate maintenance. Hub bolts and axle nuts are also used to secure the front axle.






2. Rear Drive Shaft
- The constant-velocity joint on the differential side is a double offset type (DOJ) which can be disassembled for maintenance. It provides the maximum operating angle of 23° and can be moved in the axial direction.
- DOJ outer race and the rear differential spindle are combined in order to improve resistance to corrosion.
- The constant-velocity joint on the tire side is a bell type (BJ) which provides a maximum operating angle of 46°.