Description

DESCRIPTION

With the constant velocity joints the axle shafts form the set of devices which transmit motion from the gearbox to the driving wheels.

The assembly of these devices, commonly called "transmission" when in conjunction with the gearbox, comprises the following:

• right and left axle shafts;
• constant velocity joints on wheel and gearbox side.
• intermediate shaft.

The high-resistance steel axle shafts (6) have grooved ends to enable coupling with the constant velocity joints (1) and (5).

1. Constant velocity joint, wheel side
2. Circlip
3. Retainer clamp
4. Protective boot
5. Constant velocity joint, gearbox side
6. Axle shaft
7. Constant velocity joint connection flange

The housing for the flexible retainer rings (2) is made on these grooves.

The constant velocity joints are formed of an inner core (1d) known as "drive", keyed onto the input shaft and an outer shell (1a) called "driven", which forms the output element of the joint.

The inner core has six spherical grooves on its outer surface containing six balls (1b), held in place by a cage (1c).

These balls are the parts which actually transmit the motion and are also located in other grooves machined on the inner surface of the shell.

The intermediate shaft, also with grooved ends and, like the axle shafts, made from high-resistance steel, has the purpose of connecting the differential output with the right axle shaft to which it is connected by a flange.

1. Bearing retainer plate
2. Ball bearing
3. Flexible washer
4. Bearing retainer ring
5. Cup for bearing

For this purpose, to limit the projection between the connection points, the intermediate shaft is supported by a housing machined especially on the gearbox.