Description

DESCRIPTION

The axle shafts, constant velocity joints and the intermediate shaft form the assembly of the devices which transmit motion from the gearbox to the drive wheels. This set of devices, commonly called "transmission" when allied with the gearbox, is composed of:

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

The axle shafts (6), made from high strength steel, have grooved ends for coupling with the constant velocity joints (1) and (5), which contain the housing for the flexible rings (2) which secure the joints themselves.

The constant velocity joints are composed of an inner core (1d) known as "drive", keyed onto the input shaft, and by an outer shell (1a) called "driven", which forms the outgoing element of the joint. The inner core has six grooves on the outer surface containing six balls (1b), held in place by a retainer cage (1c). These balls are the parts which actually transmit the motion and they are contemporaneously housed in grooves machined on the inner surface of the shell. On the versions with 4-cylinder engine, the left-hand axle shaft is fitted with a vibration damper (8) formed of two half shells and a rubber pad (9) for positioning.

1. Wheel side constant velocity joint
2. Flexible ring
3. Retainer clamp
4. Protection boot
5. Retainer clamp
6. Axle shaft
7. Constant velocity joint coupling flange
8. Damper
9. Rubber pad