MKZ AWD V6-3.5L (2008)
Axle Shaft Assembly: Description and Operation
Front Drive Halfshafts
Front Drive Halfshafts
The halfshaft and intermediate shaft consist of the following components:
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Inner constant velocity (CV) joints
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Outer CV joints
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Interconnecting shafts
The halfshafts are splined on the outboard stub shaft to drive the wheel hubs. They are retained in the wheel hubs by special wheel hub nuts which also
control the wheel bearing preload. The LH halfshaft is splined on the inboard stub shaft and is retained in the differential side gear in the transaxle by
a circlip. The RH halfshaft has internal splines which are driven by the intermediate shaft. The intermediate shaft has a circlip on the outboard end and
is retained inside the inboard stub shaft. The circlips must be installed new whenever they are removed. The intermediate shaft is retained in the
transaxle differential side gear by bolts that go through the intermediate shaft support bearing. The intermediate shaft also goes through the power
transfer unit (PTU) on all wheel drive (AWD) vehicles. The outer seal of the PTU must be installed new whenever the intermediate shaft is removed.
The front drive halfshaft CV joints consist of the following components:
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CV joint boot clamps
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Convoluted CV joint boots
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Tripod joint housings
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Ball and cage housings
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Special CV high temperature grease
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On the LH side, the inboard CV joint is retained in the differential side gear with a unique retainer circlip. Install a new circlip every time the
halfshaft is disconnected.
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On the RH side, a unique driveshaft bearing retainer circlip retains the splined inboard CV joint to the intermediate shaft. Install a new circlip
every time the halfshaft is disconnected from the intermediate shaft.
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A staked front axle wheel hub retainer secures the splined outboard CV joint to the wheel hub.
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Do not overangle the CV joints.
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Damage will occur to an assembled inboard CV joint if it is overplunged outward from the joint housing.
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Never use a hammer to remove or install the halfshafts from the front hub.
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Never use the halfshaft assembly as a lever to position other components. Always support the free end of the halfshaft.
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Do not allow the boots to contact sharp edges or hot exhaust components.
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Handle the halfshaft only by the interconnecting shaft to avoid pull-apart and potential damage to the CV joints.
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Do not drop assembled halfshafts. The impact will cut the boots from the inside without evidence of external damage.
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Do not remove the outer CV joint by pulling on the interconnecting shaft.
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Inspect all machined surfaces and splines for damage.
The CV joint mates the interconnecting shaft with the stub shaft. The joint allows for smooth rotation of the interconnecting shaft and the stub shafts.
They also adjust for length variances and angle requirements as the vehicle goes through jounce and rebound.
The halfshaft joints are not repairable and are serviced as assemblies only.
