Description & Operation
NOTE:
DO NOT over angle the Constant Velocity (CV) joints. Damage will occur to an assembled inner CV joint if it is over-plunged outward from the joint housing. Never use a hammer to remove or install the axle shafts. Never use the axle shaft assembly as a lever to position other components. Always support the free end of the axle shaft. DO NOT allow the CV joint boots to contact sharp edges or hot exhaust components.
NOTE:
Handle the axle shaft only by the interconnecting shaft to avoid pull-apart and potential damage to the CV joints. DO NOT drop assembled axle shafts. The impact will cut the CV joint boots from the inside without evidence of external damage. Keep CV joints clean and maintain correct grease refill when installing NEW axle shaft components. DO NOT remove the outer CV joint by pulling on the interconnecting shaft. Inspect all machined surfaces and splines for damage.
inner and outer CV joints connect to a splined shaft. Axle shaft bearing retainer circlips retain the CV joints to the splined shaft. On the right side, a axle shaft bearing retainer circlip retains the splined inner CV joint to the differential side gear. Install a NEW circlip and stop ring, every time you remove the axle shaft from the vehicle. A axle shaft hub nut secures the splined outer CV joint to the wheel hub. The lubed-for-life CV joints use special CV joint grease. They require no periodic lubrication.
Handle all axle shaft components carefully during removal and installation and during various component disassembly and assembly procedures. For exploded view of axle shafts, see Fig 1 .