Axle Shafts - Front: Description
Drive axles are completely flexible assemblies consisting of an inner and an outer Constant Velocity (CV) joint connected by an axle shaft. See Fig 1 . Inner tripot CV joint is capable of moving in and out. Outer ball/cage CV joint is flexible but cannot move in and out.
All drive axles, except left inboard end on A/T models, incorporate a male spline and interlock with transaxle gears through the use of barrel-type snap rings. Left inboard shaft attachment on A/T models uses a female spline. Female spline is installed over a stub shaft extending out from transaxle.
Drive axle spline end mating with knuckle and hub assembly is a helical spline. Spline provides a tight press fit, and assures end play does not exist between hub bearing and drive shaft assembly.