Axle Shaft: Description and Operation

Front Axle
GENERAL





^ The inboard end of each axle shaft is connected to the transmission via a constant velocity joint (shudder-less free ring tripod joint: SFJ), which is flexible in the axial directions while the outboard end is connected via a bell joint (BJ) to the wheel hub, which is supported by a taper roller bearing located inside the axle housing. The BJ features a large operating angle. Both the constant velocity joints (SFJ and BJ) ensure smooth, regular rotation of the drive wheels with minimum vibration.
^ The bearing is a preloaded, non-adjustable tapered roller unit bearing. Each hub is fitted in the axle housing via the tapered roller bearing.
^ The BJ's spindle is splined to the hub and is secured with an axle nut clinched to it.
^ The disc rotor is an external mounting type. It is secured to the disc wheel using hub bolts to facilitate maintenance of the disc rotor.
1. 3.0 ENGINE MODEL
^ The hubs are induction-hardened.
2. 2.5 ENGINE MODEL
^ The hubs are same as those used in the previous model.

FRONT DRIVE SHAFT





^ A shudder-less free ring tripod joint (SFJ) is used on the differential side of each front drive shaft. The SFJ can be disassembled for maintenance. It provides a maximum operating angle of 25° and can be moved in the axial directions.
^ A bell joint (BJ) is used on the wheel side of each front drive shaft. The BJ's maximum operating angle is 47.5°.

Rear Axle
GENERAL





^ The inboard end of each axle shaft is connected to the differential via a constant velocity joint (double offset joint: DOJ) which is flexible in the axial directions.
^ The axle shaft's outboard end is connected via a bell joint (BJ) to the wheel hub, which is supported by the hub unit bearing. The BJ features a large operating angle. Both the constant velocity joints (DOJ and BJ) ensure smooth, regular rotation of the drive wheels with minimum vibration.
^ The hub unit bearing's outer race forms integral part of the mounting flange.
The hub unit bearing is bolted to the rear knuckle arm with the brake backing plate in between.
Oil seals are fitted on both sides of the bearing.
The bearing is a preloaded, non-adjustable angular contact ball unit bearing.
^ The BJ's spindle is splined to the hub and is secured with an axle nut clinched to it.
^ The disc rotor and drum are an external mounting type. It is secured to the disc wheel using hub bolts to facilitate maintenance of the disc rotor and drum.

REAR DRIVE SHAFT





^ A double offset joint (DOJ) is used on the differential side of each rear drive shaft. The DOJ can be disassembled for maintenance. It provides a maximum operating angle of 23° and can be moved in the axial directions.
^ A bell joint (BJ) is used on the wheel side of each rear drive shaft. Its maximum operating angle is 42°.