Uplander FWD V6-3.5L VIN L (2006)
Constant Velocity Joint: Description and Operation
Wheel Drive Shafts Description and Operation (M15, M76)
Wheel Drive Shafts Description and Operation (M15, M76)
Front wheel drive axles are flexible assemblies.
Front wheel drive axles consist of the following components:
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A front wheel drive shaft inner tri-pot joint.
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A front wheel drive shaft outer constant velocity joint.
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A front wheel drive shaft bar. The front wheel drive shaft bar connects the front wheel drive shaft tri-pot joint and the front wheel drive shaft
constant velocity joint.
The front wheel drive shaft tri-pot joint is completely flexible axially and laterally.
The front wheel drive shaft constant velocity joint is flexible axially.
Seals And Clamps
The front wheel drive shaft constant velocity joint and the front wheel drive shaft tri-pot joint seals in the front wheel drive axle are made of a
thermoplastic material.
The clamps on front wheel drive axle seals are made of stainless steel.
The seals provide the following functions:
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Protection of the internal parts of the front wheel drive shaft constant velocity joint and the front wheel drive shaft tri-pot joint. The seals protect
the grease from the following sources of damage:
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Harmful atmospheric conditions, such as extreme temperatures or ozone gas.
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Foreign material, such as dirt or water.
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Allows the angular and the axial movement of the front wheel drive shaft tri-pot joint.
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Allows angular movement of the front wheel drive shaft constant velocity joint.
Important:
Protect the seals from sharp tools and from the sharp edges of the surrounding components.
Any damage to the seals or the clamps will result in leakage. Leakage will allow water to leak into the front wheel drive shaft tri-pot joint and the front
wheel drive shaft constant velocity joint. Damage will also allow grease to leak out of the front wheel drive shaft tri-pot 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 tri-pot joint and the front wheel drive shaft constant velocity joint at the
following locations:
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The housing.
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The front wheel drive shaft bar.
The thermoplastic material performs well under normal conditions and normal operation. However, the material is not strong enough to withstand the
following conditions:
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Abusive handling.
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Damage from sharp objects, such as tools or sharp edges of the surrounding vehicle components.
Front Wheel Drive Shaft Tri-pot Joint
The front wheel drive shaft tri-pot joint is made without an over-extension limitation retainer.
The joint is constructed as follows:
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The left front wheel drive axle has a female spline. The female spline installs over a stub shaft that protrudes from the transaxle.
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The right front wheel drive axle has a male spline. The right front wheel drive axle uses a barrel-type retaining ring in order to interlock with the
transaxle gears.
Front Wheel Drive Shaft Constant Velocity Joint
The front wheel drive shaft constant velocity joint is of 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.
