Axle Shaft: Description and Operation

HALFSHAFT JOINT
- To reduce running friction, the front axle driveshafts are fitted with constant velocity joints at both ends.
- Tripod joints (with tripod, running rollers and tripod housing) are fitted on the transmission side.
- Pot joints (with ball star, ball cage and ball shell) are fitted on the wheel side.
- The left-hand tripod joint is secured in the differential with a snap-ring.
- The intermediate shaft (right-hand side) is not secured in the differential, but is secured by the intermediate shaft bearing. Repairing the intermediate shaft and the intermediate shaft bearing should only be replaced complete.
- The tripod joint of the right-hand front axle driveshaft is secured in the intermediate shaft with a snap-ring.
- The wheel-side constant velocity joints are attached to the wheel hubs.

WORKING PRINCIPLE OF THE FRONT AXLE DRIVESHAFT
- The front axle driveshaft transmit torque from the engine to the wheels.
- In order to allow vertical movement of the wheels and engine, the front axle driveshaft operate at varying lengths and angles.
- The tripod joints allow for changes in driveshaft length during axial movements.