L322 Range Rover System Description and Operation
DRIVE AND PROPELLER SHAFTS
47-8
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
Front Shaft Assembly
The front shaft assembly comprises a CV joint at the front and a splined shaft at the rear. The front shaft comprises
a tube with welded, splined shafts at each end.
The forward splined shaft accepts the CV joint which is secured with a circlip. The CV joint is packed with grease and
sealed on both sides with metal shrouds to prevent the ingress of dirt and moisture. The CV joint has six radial holes
which provide for the attachment to the transfer box rear output flange. The joint is secured to the output flange with
six bolts, which screw into threaded holes in the flange. Three shims are fitted under each pair of bolts. The shims
have tabs which are bent to secure the bolts. The CV joint is not a serviceable item and failure will require replacement
of the rear propshaft assembly. The rear splined shaft mates with splines in the rear shaft universal joint. A threaded
hole is provided in the splined shaft to secure the front and rear propeller shaft sections together. A machined surface
on the shaft accepts the shaft bearing, which is a press fit.
Shaft Bearing Assembly
The shaft bearing assembly comprises a pressed steel housing, a rubber bush and a ball bearing. The rubber bush
is bonded into the housing. An internal metal ring, bonded to the bush, allows for the bearing to be press fitted into it.
The rubber bush allows for small deviations in alignment and also absorbs vibrational forces. The shaft bearing
assembly is located on studs, which are integral with the body, and secured with flanged nuts.
Rear Shaft Assembly
The rear shaft assembly comprises a universal joint at the front and a CV joint at the rear. The rear shaft comprises
a tube with the welded universal joint at one end and a welded splined shaft at the opposite end.
The universal joint is welded to the rear shaft tube. The opposite end of the universal joint has a splined bore which
mates with the splined shaft on the rear of the front shaft assembly. A bolt and washer is fitted through the splined
bore and screws into the splined shaft on the front shaft assembly, securing the front and rear shaft assemblies
together.
The splined shaft accepts the CV joint which is secured with a circlip. The CV joint is packed with grease and sealed
on both sides with metal shrouds to prevent the ingress of dirt and moisture. The CV joint has six radial holes into
which, six knurled bolts are pressed. The knurled shanks of the bolts provide a secure mounting for each bolt,
preventing them from rotating. Three shims are fitted under each pair of bolts. The shims have tabs which are bent to
further secure the bolts. The CV joint is secured to the input shaft of the rear differential with six flanged nuts. The CV
joint is not a serviceable item and failure will require replacement of the rear propshaft assembly.
