Axle Shafts - Front: Description

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 joints are 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 without replacing assembly. The outer CV joint must be replaced as an assembly.

There are 3 different types of axle shaft CV joints. The Double Offset Joint (DOJ). The Birfield Joint (BJ) and the Tripod Joint (TJ) (sometimes referred to as tripot). The inner CV joint is bolted to differential case drive flanges.