Front wheel drive axles are flexible assemblies.
Front wheel drive axles consist of the following components:
The front wheel drive shaft connects the front wheel drive shaft tripot joint and the front wheel drive shaft constant velocity joint.
The front wheel drive shaft tripot joint is completely flexible. The front wheel drive shaft tripot joint can move in and out.
The front wheel drive shaft constant velocity joint is flexible, but the front wheel drive shaft constant velocity joint cannot move in and out.
The front wheel drive shaft constant velocity joint and the front wheel drive shaft tripot joint boots in the front wheel drive axle are made of a thermoplastic material.
The clamps in the front wheel drive axle are made of stainless steel.
The boot provides the following functions:
The boot protects the grease from the following sources of damage:
Note:
Protect the boots 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 to leak into the front wheel drive shaft tripot joint and the front wheel drive shaft constant velocity joints. Leakage will also allow grease to leak out of the front wheel drive shaft tripot joints and the front wheel drive shaft 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 front wheel drive shaft tripot joint and the front wheel drive shaft constant velocity joint at the following locations:
The thermoplastic material performs well under normal conditions and normal operation. However, the material is not strong enough to withstand the following conditions:
The front wheel drive shaft tri-pot joint is made with the tripot design without an over-extension limitation retainer.
The joint is constructed as follows for vehicles that are equipped with an automatic transmission:
The front wheel drive shaft 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.
Rear Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement (Drum Brake)
Rear Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement
Callout
Component Name
Preliminary Procedures
Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the
Vehicle.
Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Rem ...
Air Conditioning O-Ring Seal Replacement
Removal Procedure
Disassemble the A/C refrigerant components. Refer to the appropriate
repair procedure
Note: Cap or tape the open A/C refrigerant components immediately
to prevent system contamination.
Cap or tape the A/C refrigerant components.
...
Torque Converter Removal
Torque Converter Removal
Callout
Component Name
1
Lock Pin
Warning: Lock pin must be secured into the bench fixture to
hold the transmission and prevent bodily injury.
Note: Ensure the DT ...