MKZ AWD V6-3.5L (2008)
Axle Shaft Assembly: Description and Operation
Rear Drive Halfshafts
Rear Drive Halfshafts
The halfshafts consist of the following components:
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Inner constant velocity (CV) joints
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Outer CV joints
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Interconnecting shafts
The halfshafts are splined on the outboard stub shaft to drive the wheel hubs. They are retained in the wheel hubs by special wheel hub nuts which also
control the wheel bearing preload.
The halfshafts are splined on the inboard stub shaft and are retained by circlips. New circlips must be installed whenever the halfshafts are removed.
Halfshaft Joint
CV joints consist of the following components:
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CV joint boot clamps
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Convoluted CV joint boots
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Tripod joint housings
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Ball and cage housings
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Retainer circlips
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Special CV high temperature grease
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Never pick up or hold the halfshaft only by the inboard or outboard CV joint.
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Do not overangle the CV joints.
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Damage will occur to an assembled inboard CV joint if it is overplunged outward from the joint housing.
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Never use a hammer to remove or install the halfshafts from the rear hub.
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Never use the halfshaft assembly as a lever to position other components. Always support the free end of the halfshaft.
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Do not allow the boots to contact sharp edges or hot exhaust components.
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Handle the halfshaft only by the interconnecting shaft to avoid pull-apart and potential damage to the CV joints.
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Excessive pulling force on the interconnecting shaft between joints of the halfshaft will result in internal joint damage. Axial loads used in
assisting removal must be applied through the inboard joint housing only.
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Do not drop assembled halfshafts. The impact will cut the boots from the inside without evidence of external damage.
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Do not remove the outer CV joint by pulling on the interconnecting shaft.
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Inspect all machined surfaces and splines for damage.
The CV joints mate the interconnecting shaft with the stub shaft. The joints allow for smooth rotation of the interconnecting shaft and the stub shafts.
They also adjust for length variances and angle requirements as the vehicle goes through jounce and rebound.
The halfshaft joints are not repairable and are serviced as assemblies only.
