5
-
Halfshaft retaining snap-ring, wheel end
7
-
Halfshaft retaining snap-ring, transmission end
8
-
Tripode star with constant velocity rollers
10
-
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 engine movement and vertical movement of the wheels, 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:Never hold the front drive halfshaft just by the tripode joint.
Care should be taken while removing/installing and assembling/disassembling front drive halfshafts. The following points should be observed:
- When removing front drive halfshafts 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 drive halfshafts, as this can cause interior damage to the boots which may not be visible from 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: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 drive halfshafts as jacking points.
Towing the vehicle
CAUTION:Do not attach the tow rope to the front drive halfshaft.
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.
