Axle Shafts and Drive Shafts

Drive shafts transmit torque from the engine, transaxle and differential to the front wheels. In the transaxle case, the drive shafts are connected to the differential side gears by splines. The splined end of the inner joint of the drive shaft is retained in the side gear by a snap ring. During installation, the snap ring is compressed as it enters the groove of the shaft. After the shaft is fully seated in the differential side gear, the snap ring expands and secures the splined end against axial movement. The outer joints of the drive shafts are connected to the front wheel hubs, which are mounted on bearings. The shaft is secured to the hub by a staked nut. To prevent the nut from loosening, the staked part of the nut is bent into a recess of the drive shaft. Play between the hub and the drive shaft is eliminated by the spline design. The splines in the hub are straight, while the splines on the shaft are cut at a slight angle. The different spline design provides a preload connection, that is, a fixed fit that eliminates any adjustment.

Constant velocity joints (CV joints) are installed on both ends of the drive shaft. All outer CV joints are of the Birfield type, and the inner joints are of the tripod or ball type. Tripod-type CV joints are used to prevent engine vibration from being transmitted through the drive shafts to the vehicle body. CV joints are required to transmit torque and to accommodate front suspension movement. CV joints also allow the drive shaft length to change and transmit torque at constantly changing angles.