Front Wheel Drive

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Front axle shafts are flexible assemblies and consist of the following components:

A front axle shaft constant velocity or tri-pot type joint (inner joint).
A front axle shaft constant velocity joint (outer joint).
A front axle shaft. The front axle shaft connects the front axle shaft tri-pot joint and the front axle shaft constant velocity joint.

The front axle shaft inner joint is completely flexible. The inner joint can move in and out. The front axle shaft outer joint is flexible, but the outer joint cannot move in and out.

Boots (Seals) & Clamps

The shaft boots (seals) in the front axle are made of a thermoplastic material. The clamps in front axle are made of stainless steel. The boot (seal) provides the following functions:

To protect the internal parts of the inboard and outboard joint by protecting the grease from surrounding detrimental atmospheric conditions such as extreme temperatures, ozone gas, etc.
To protect the internal parts of the inboard and outboard joint by protecting the grease from foreign materials such as stones, dirt, water, salt, etc.
Allows angular movement and the axial movement of the front axle shaft inner joint.
Allows angular movement of the front axle shaft outer joint.

NOTE: Protect the boots (seals) from sharp tools and from the sharp edges of the surrounding components. Any damage to the boots (seals) or the clamps will result in leakage. Leakage will allow water to leak into the front axle shaft joints. Leakage will also allow grease to leak out of the joints. Leakage may cause noisy front axle operation and eventual failure of the internal components.

The clamps provide a leak proof connection for the front axle shaft joints at the following locations:

The housing.
The front axle shaft.

The thermoplastic material performs well under normal conditions and normal operation. However, the material is not strong enough to withstand the following conditions:

Abusive handling.
Damage from sharp objects (such as sharp tools or any sharp edges of the surrounding components in the vehicle).

Inner Joint

The front axle shaft tri-pot joint is made with the tri-pot design without an over-extension limitation retainer. The front axle inner joint is splined to interlock with the transaxle.

Outer Joint

The front axle shaft constant velocity joint is made with the Rzeppa joint design. The shaft end (which mates with the knuckle/hub) has a helical spline. The helical spline ensures a tight, press-type fit. This design prevents end play between the hub bearing and the front axle.