Section 15 (Axle Shafts - Front): Description
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 1986 Volkswagen Scirocco, 1986 Volkswagen Quantum, 1986 Volkswagen Jetta, 1986 Volkswagen Golf, and 1986 Volkswagen GTI. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Axle shafts transfer power from transaxle to driving wheels. All axle shafts consist of a shaft and flexible Constant Velocity CV) joint at each end. Inner CV joint is splined or bolted to transaxle. Outer CV joint is splined to hub assembly and secured by axle shaft nut.
The inner and outer CV joint is enclosed by a CV joint boot. The boot maintains lubrication in the joint and prevents contamination from entering the joint. Boots must be replaced when signs of leakage or cracks are present. The inner CV joint can be repaired with out replacing assembly. The outer CV joint must be replaced as an assembly.
On Volkswagen models, the inner CV joint is bolted to differential case drive flanges.