Front wheel drive axles are flexible assemblies.
Front wheel drive axles consist of the following components:
| • | A drive shaft tri-pot joint (inner joint) |
| • | A constant velocity joint (outer joint) |
| • | A front wheel drive shaft |
| | The front wheel drive shaft connects the drive shaft tri-pot joint
and the constant velocity joint. |
The drive shaft tri-pot joint is completely flexible. The drive shaft
tri-pot joint can move in and out.
The constant velocity joint is flexible but cannot move in or out.
Boots (Seals) And Clamps
The constant velocity joint and the tri-pot joint boots (seals) in
the front wheel drive axle are made of a thermoplastic material.
The clamps in front wheel drive axle are made of stainless steel.
The boot (seal) provides the following functions:
| • | Protection of the internal parts of the constant velocity joint
and the drive shaft tri-pot joint. |
| | The boot protects the grease from the following sources of damage: |
| - | Harmful atmospheric conditions (such as extreme temperatures or
ozone gas) |
| - | Foreign material (such as dirt or water) |
| • | Allows angular movement and the axial movement of the drive shaft
tri-pot joint. |
| • | Allows angular movement of the constant velocity joint. |
Important: Protect the boots (seals) from sharp tools and from the sharp edges
of the surrounding components.
Any damage to the boots or the clamps will result in leakage. Leakage
will allow water into the drive shaft tri-pot joint and the constant velocity
joints. Leakage will also allow grease to leak out of the drive shaft tri-pot
joints and the constant velocity joints.
Leakage may cause noisy front wheel drive axle operation and eventual
failure of the internal components.
The clamps provide a leak proof connection for the drive shaft tri-pot
joint and the constant velocity joint at the following locations:
| • | The front wheel drive shaft |
The thermoplastic material performs well under normal conditions and
normal operation. However, the material is not strong enough to withstand
the following conditions:
| • | Damage from sharp objects (such as sharp tools or any sharp edges
of the surrounding components in the vehicle). |
Drive Shaft Tri-pot Joint (Inner Joint)
The front wheel drive shaft tri-pot joint is made with the tri-pot design
without an over-extension limitation retainer.
The joint is constructed as follows for vehicles that are equipped with
an automatic transmission:
| • | The left front wheel drive axle has a female spline. The female
spline installs over a stub shaft that protrudes from the transaxle. |
| • | The right front wheel drive axle has a male spline. The right
front wheel drive axle uses barrel type snap rings in order to interlock with
the transaxle gears. |
Constant Velocity Joint (Outer Joint)
The constant velocity joint is made with the Rzeppa joint design.
The shaft end (which mates with the knuckle/hub) has a helical spline.
The helical spline ensures a tight, press-type fit.
This design prevents end play between the hub bearing and the front
wheel drive axle.
