Axle Shaft: Description and Operation

DESCRIPTION
The front wheel drive halfshafts have the following characteristics:
^ Employ constant velocity (CV) joints at both the inboard and outboard ends for vehicle operating smoothness.
^ The LH inboard CV joints are retained in the differential side gears by a driveshaft bearing retainer circlip.
^ The intermediate shaft is retained by the front axle bearing bracket and differential side gear.
^ RH halfshaft is retained to the intermediate shaft by a driveshaft bearing retainer circlip.
^ The outboard CV joint is retained in the front wheel hub by a front axle wheel hub retainer.

OPERATION
The front wheel drive halfshafts operate in the following manner:
^ The front wheel drive halfshafts transmit engine torque from the transaxle to the front wheels.
^ Halfshafts operate at varying angles and can change length to allow for vertical suspension (wheel) travel and dynamic engine movement.
^ Inboard CV joints are tripot type joint which provides for axial movement to effect shaft length changes.