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206 Brake System > < Halfshaft RH

Focus 1999 (08.1998-12.2004)

Front Drive Halfshafts - Front Drive Halfshafts Focus 1999 (08/1998-12/2004)
Description and Operation

  • The front drive halfshafts have constant velocity joints at both ends to ensure that driving is smooth.
  • Tripode joints (with tripode, running rollers and tripode housing) are fitted on the transmission side.
  • The joints nearest the wheel are ball joints (with ball star, ball cage and ball shell).
  • The left-hand tripode joint is secured in the differential with a snap-ring.
  • The intermediate shaft (right-hand side) is secured in the differential by the intermediate shaft bearing.
  • The tripode housing of the tripode joint for the right-hand front drive halfshaft and the intermediate shaft are attached as a unique part.
  • The wheel-side constant velocity joints are attached to the wheel hubs.

Exploded view of the front drive halfshaft

 
Item
Part Number
Description
1
-
Fixed ball joint with front drive halfshaft
2
-
Clamping strap (large)
3
-
Boot
4
-
Clamping strap (small)
5
-
Snap-ring - CV joint, transmission end
6
-
Tripod star with constant velocity rollers
7
-
Tripode housing
8
-
Intermediate shaft with intermediate shaft bearing

Working principle of the front drive halfshafts

  • The front drive halfshafts transmit torque from the engine to the wheels.
  • In order to allow vertical movement of the wheels and engine, the front drive halfshafts operate at varying lengths and angles.
  • The tripode joints allow for changes in halfshaft length during axial movements.

Handling front drive halfshafts

NOTE:
NOTE:Do not place the tripode joint under tension.

Utmost care should be taken whilst removing/installing and assembling/disassembling front drive halfshafts. The following points should be observed:

  • The inner tripode joint must not be bent at more than 18°.
  • Check polished surfaces and splines for damage.
  • Do not allow the boots to come into contact with sharp edges, the engine when it is hot or the exhaust system.
  • Do not drop the front drive halfshaft as this can damage the inside of the boots without any signs of damage showing on the outside.
  • Do not use front drive halfshafts as levering tools for the installation of other components. The front drive halfshafts must always hang freely.
  • The tripode joint can be damaged by knocks outside the joint housing.

Wheel balancing, front

CAUTION:
CAUTION:Using a portable wheel balancing unit when the vehicle is lifted completely off the ground will result in damage to the tripode joints or boots, as the joint is bent at a large angle and therefore overheats.

To use a portable balancing unit position a trolley jack under the suspension arm opposite the wheel which is being balanced. This prevents the joint from being bent too much when the vehicle is raised.

Where possible, wheels should be removed for balancing, and balanced using a stationary wheel balancing unit.

Raising the vehicle

CAUTION:
CAUTION:Never use the joints or front drive halfshafts as jacking points.

Towing the vehicle

CAUTION:
CAUTION:Do not attach the tow rope to the front drive halfshaft.

Underbody protection and corrosion prevention

NOTE:
NOTE:The boots should be covered during application of underbody protection or corrosion prevention.

Foreign matter on the boots can cause premature ageing of the material. Foreign matter on the front drive halfshafts can cause imbalance.

206 Brake System > < Halfshaft RH