Axle Shaft: Description and Operation

FRONT DRIVESHAFTS
All LH platform vehicles are equipped with an unequal length driveshaft system. The left side of the vehicle is equipped with a longer driveshaft than the right side of the vehicle. The LH platform uses solid interconnecting shafts on both sides of the vehicle.

The driveshaft assemblies are three piece units. Each driveshaft has a tripod joint, an interconnecting shaft and a outer C/V Joint. The tripod joint is splined onto the transaxle stub shaft, and the outer C/V joint has a stub shaft that is splined into the front wheel hub and bearing assembly.

NOTE: The inner tripod joint boots, on the LH platform vehicle are of different materials. The left inner boot is made of high temperature application silicone, and the right inner boot is made of Hytrel plastic. When driveshaft boots are replaced be sure boots of the correct material are used on the correct side of the vehicle.

The driveshafts used on the LH platform vehicles are supplied by Saginaw division for all available drivelines.

DRIVESHAFT SERVICE
Procedures for removal and installation of driveshafts on the LH platform vehicles are different and somewhat easier, than those on other front wheel drive vehicles. This new driveshaft design, allows both driveshafts to be removed from the vehicle without dismantling the transaxle.

CAUTION: Boot sealing is vital to retain special lubricants and to prevent foreign contaminants from entering the C/V joint. Mishandling, such as allowing the assemblies to dangle unsupported, pulling or pushing the ends can cut boots or damage C/V joints. The LH platform driveshafts use no retention system to retain the spider assembly in the tripod housing. During removal and installation procedures always support both ends of the driveshaft to prevent damage or disengaging tripod joint. Therefore, do not pull on the interconnecting shaft when attempting to remove drive shafts from vehicle.