Axle Shafts - Front: Description
Axle shafts transfer power from transaxle or differential to drive wheels. All axle shafts consist of a shaft with a flexible Constant Velocity (CV) joint at each end. Inner CV joint is splined or bolted to transaxle.
Inner and outer CV joints are enclosed in CV joint boots. Boots maintain lubrication and prevent contaminants from entering the joint. Boots must be replaced when signs of leakage or cracks are present. Inner CV joint can be repaired, but outer CV joint must be replaced as an assembly.
NOTE:
Vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions use Tripod type joints on the inside of the axle shaft and Double Offset Joint (DOJ) type joints on the outside. Vehicles equipped with manual transmissions use DOJ type joints on both ends of the axle shafts.