Front axle (Description): Description and operation

Description

General

The front axle consists of an axle casing with a differential unit attached to the right of the vehicle centre line. A wheel hub is installed in a steering knuckle at each end of the axle casing and connected to the differential unit by a drive shaft.

Axle casing

The axle casing is of welded construction, with brackets on the casing exterior for attachment to the front suspension. Yokes at each end of the casing incorporate upper and lower ball joints for attachment of the steering knuckles.

A differential cover on the front of the axle casing contains an oil level plug for checking and replenishment of the differential lubricating oil. A magnetic drain plug is installed on the underside of the casing. An oil seal is installed in each end of the axle casing to prevent leakage past the drive shafts.

The interior of the axle casing is ventilated through a breather tube inserted in a red plastic sleeve in the top of the casing. The open end of the breather tube is located in the left rear corner of the engine compartment.

Differential unit

The differential unit is of the spiral bevel type, lubricated by splash oil. The unit consists of a differential carrier attached to a pinion housing. In the pinion housing, the pinion is splined to a drive flange which is secured with a bolt and washer. An oil seal prevents leakage past the drive flange.

Steering knuckle

The steering knuckles are mounted on upper and lower ball joints in the yokes at the end of the axle casing. A tension collet, in the lower mounting point of each steering knuckle, accommodates manufacturing tolerances to enable the correct tightening of both ball joints. Lugs are incorporated on the steering knuckles for attachment of the steering system drag link and track rod.