Section 13 (Axle Shafts - Front): Description
The inboard end of each axle shaft is connected to the transmission via a constant velocity joint which is flexible in the axial directions while the outboard end is connected via a Bell Joint (BJ) to the wheel hub which is supported by a taper roller bearing located inside the axle housing. The BJ features a large operating angle.
A Shudder-Less Free-ring Tripod Joint (SFJ) is used on the differential side of each front drive shaft. the SFJ can be disassembled for maintenance. It provides a maximum operating angle of 25° and can be moved in the axial directions. A BJ is used on the wheel side of each front axle shaft. The BJ's maximum operating angle is 47.5°.
Both the constant velocity joints ensure smooth, regular rotation of the drive wheels with minimum vibration. The bearing is preloaded, non-adjustable tapered roller unit bearing. Each hub is fitted in the axle housing via the tapered roller bearing. The BJ's spindle is splined to the hub and is secured with an axle nut clinched to it. The disc rotor is an external mounting type. It is secured to the disc wheel using hub bolts to facilitate maintenance of disc rotor.