5
-
Driveshaft retaining snap-ring, wheel end
7
-
Driveshaft retaining snap-ring, transmission end
8
-
Tripode star with constant velocity rollers
10
-
Intermediate shaft with intermediate shaft bearing
Working principle of the front axle driveshafts
- The front axle driveshafts transmit torque from the engine to the wheels.
- In order to allow engine movement and vertical movement of the wheels, the front axle driveshafts operate at varying lengths and angles.
- The tripode joints allow for changes in driveshaft length during axial movements.
Handling front axle driveshafts
NOTE:Never hold the front axle driveshaft just by the tripode joint.
Utmost care should be taken whilst removing/installing and assembling/disassembling front axle driveshafts. The following points should be observed:
- When removing front axle driveshafts do not pull on the tripode joints.
- The inner tripode joint may not be bent at more than 18° and the outer joint may not be bent at more than 45°.
- 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 axle driveshafts, as this can cause interior damage to the boots which may not be visible from the outside.
- Do not use front axle driveshafts as levering tools for the installation of other components. The front axle driveshafts must always hang freely.
- The tripode joint can be damaged by knocks outside the joint housing.
Wheel balancing, front
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.
If possible, wheels should be removed from the vehicle and balanced in a stationary balancing machine.
Jacking the vehicle
CAUTION:Never use the joints or front axle driveshafts as jacking points.
Towing the vehicle
CAUTION:Do not attach the tow rope to the front axle driveshaft.
Underbody protection and corrosion prevention
NOTE:The boots should be covered during application of underbody protection or corrosion prevention.
Foreign bodies can be the cause of premature material wear. Foreign bodies on shafts can cause imbalances.
