Drive Axles, Bearings and Joints: Description and Operation

Front Axle





- The inboard end of the axle shaft is connected to the transmission via a constant velocity joint (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 (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 utilizes a preloaded, non-adjustable tapered roller unit design. The hub is fitted to the tapered 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 an external mounting type. It is secured together with the disc wheel using hub bolts to facilitate maintenance of the disc rotor.

FRONT DRIVE SHAFT





- The constant-velocity joint on the differential side is a Shudder-Less Freering Tripod Joint (SFJ) which can be disassembled for maintenance. It provides the maximum operating angle of 25� and can also be moved in the axial direction.
- For the constant-velocity joint on the tire side, the Bell Joint (BJ) is adopted. The maximum operating angle of BJ is 47.5°.

Rear Axle





- 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 hub unit bearing 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 hub unit bearing is used which has its outer race integrated with a mounting flange. The hub unit bearing is bolted to the rear arm with brake back plate in between. The oil seals are incorporated in the bearing. The bearing is a preloaded, non-adjustable angular contact ball unit type.
- The BJ's spindle is "serration-fitted" to the hub and is clinched to it with axle nuts.
- The disc rotor and drum are an external mounting type. It is secured together with the disc wheel using hub bolts to facilitate maintenance of the disc rotor and drum.


REAR DRIVE SHAFT





- The constant-velocity joint on the differential side is a Double Offset Joint (DOJ) which can be disassembled for maintenance. It provides the maximum operating angle of 23° and can be moved in the axial direction.
- The constant-velocity joint on the tire side is a Bell Joint (BJ) which provides a maximum operating angle of 42°.