Axle Shaft Assembly: Description and Operation

Rear Drive Halfshafts





The rear drive halfshafts are of unequal lengths and both inner and outer joints are of the CV type.

The outer CV joints are fitted with an ABS ring which is continuously monitored by the wheel speed sensor.

The inner and outer CV joints are linked by a solid halfshaft. The inner CV joints are retained in the rear drive axle with the aid of a spring clip.

Handling Rear Drive Halfshafts
The following points should be observed when handling rear drive halfshafts:
^ Do not pull on the CV joints.
^ Do not allow the CV joints to exceed 18 degrees of travel.
^ Check polished surfaces and splines for damage.
^ Do not allow the CV joint boots to come into contact with sharp edges, hot vehicle components or the exhaust system.
^ Do not drop the rear drive halfshafts, this may cause damage to the splined sections of the CV joints, the threaded sections of the CV joints or the interior of the boots which may not be visible.
^ Do not support the rear drive halfshaft by holding the CV joint alone.

Underbody Protection and Corrosion Prevention
The CV joint boots should be covered during application of underbody protection or corrosion prevention. Foreign matter on the CV boots may cause premature aging of the material. Foreign material on the rear drive halfshafts may cause imbalance.