Axle Shafts

GENERAL INFORMATION

Axle Shafts

1. Outer CV joint 2,

6. Clamps 3,

7. Boot 4, 8, 16,

18. Snap ring

5. Axle shaft 9, 13,

23. Stopper

10. Inner race

11. Cage

12. Ball

14. Left inner CV joint housing

15. Left axle shaft dust deflector

17. Intermediate shaft and housing

19. Right axle shaft dust deflector

20. Bearing

21. Bearing housing

22. Bracket

24. Right axle shaft dust deflector

The axle shafts transmit torque to the wheels through the inner and outer CV joints. On some vehicles, an intermediate shaft with a support bearing is installed on the right axle shaft. The outer CV joints of the Rzeppa type transmit torque to the steered wheels. The CV joint consists of two shaped yokes with 6 balls, which can move freely in the grooves of the yokes. The CV joints are enclosed in boots filled with grease. If there is any damage, replace the boots. The inner CV joints consist of three rollers that move freely in the longitudinal grooves of the cups. This design allows axial movement of the axle shaft and replaces the splined sliding joint. Grease for the roller joints is packed into the boot and is replaced only if the boot is damaged. On later model vehicles, the inner joints are ball type, with a cage, outer race and inner race.

The inner end of the axle shaft is splined; the outer end is splined and threaded for the hub nut.