Axle Shaft Assembly: Description and Operation

Front Drive Halfshafts

Overview

Front Drive Halfshafts

The front drive halfshafts consist of the following components:
- Inner CV (Constant Velocity) joints
- Outer CV (Constant Velocity) joints
- Interconnecting shafts

The halfshafts are splined on the outboard stub shaft to drive the wheel hubs. They are retained in the wheel hubs by special wheel hub nuts which also control the wheel bearing preload. The LH (Left Hand) halfshaft is splined on the inboard stub shaft and retained in the transaxle differential side gear by a circlip. New circlips must be installed whenever they are removed. The RH (Right Hand) halfshaft is retained in the transaxle differential side gear by bolts that go through the intermediate shaft support bearing. The intermediate shaft also goes through the PTU (Power Transfer Unit) on AWD (All-Wheel Drive) vehicles. A new Power Transfer Unit (PTU) outer seal must be installed whenever the RH (Right Hand) halfshaft is removed.

CV (Constant Velocity) Joint

The front drive halfshaft CV (Constant Velocity) joints consist of the following components:
- CV (Constant Velocity) joint boot clamps
- Convoluted CV (Constant Velocity) joint boots
- Tripod joint housings
- Ball and cage housings
- Retainer circlips
- Special CV (Constant Velocity) high temperature grease

The CV (Constant Velocity) joint mates the interconnecting shaft with the stub shaft. The joint allows for smooth rotation of the interconnecting shaft and the stub shafts. They also adjust for length variances and angle requirements as the vehicle goes through jounce and rebound.

Halfshaft joints are only serviced as assemblies.

Halfshaft Handling

Handle all halfshaft components carefully during removal and installation and during various component disassembly and assembly procedures.
- Never pick up or hold the halfshaft by the inboard or outboard CV (Constant Velocity) joint.
- Do not over angle the CV (Constant Velocity) joints.
- Damage will occur to an assembled inboard CV (Constant Velocity) joint if it is over plunged outward from the joint housing.
- Never use a hammer to remove or install the halfshafts from the front hub.
- 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 (Constant Velocity) joints.
- Excessive pulling force on the interconnecting shaft between the joints of the halfshaft results in internal joint damage. Axial loads used in assisting removal must be applied through the inboard joint housing only.
- Do not drop assembled halfshafts. The impact cuts the boots from the inside without evidence of external damage.
- Do not remove the outer CV (Constant Velocity) joint by pulling on the interconnecting shaft.
- Inspect all machined surfaces and splines for damage.
- Do not allow the ball joint stud to contact the CV (Constant Velocity) joint boot when disconnecting the lower arm.