Diesel and Turbo Models

Fig 1: Halfshaft And Intermediate Shaft (2.2L TD Shown - 2.4L Turbo Similar)

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

Vehicles equipped with the 2.2L Turbo Diesel and the 2.4L Turbo Gasoline utilize an equal-length halfshaft system. The system incorporates two halfshaft assemblies (left and right) that consist of an inner and outer constant velocity (CV) joint and a solid interconnecting shaft, and an intermediate shaft/bearing assembly (3). See Fig 1.

The left halfshaft (1) uses a tuned-rubber damper weight mounted to the interconnecting shaft. When replacing a halfshaft, be sure the replacement halfshaft has the same damper weight as the original.

Both halfshaft assemblies use the same type of inner and outer joints. The inner joint of both halfshaft assemblies is a tripod joint, and the outer joint of both halfshaft assemblies is a Rzeppa joint. Both tripod joints and Rzeppa joints are true constant velocity (CV) joint assemblies. The inner tripod joint allows for the changes in halfshaft length through the jounce and rebound travel of the front suspension.

On vehicles equipped with ABS brakes, the outer CV joint is equipped with a tone wheel used to determine vehicle speed for ABS brake operation.

Fig 2: Halfshaft Retaining Hardware

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

The left halfshaft inner tripod joint and the intermediate shaft are both splined into the transaxle side gears. The inner tripod joints are retained using a snap ring located in the stub shaft of the tripod joint. The outer CV joint has a stub shaft that is splined into the wheel hub and retained by a hub nut (3) and washer (2), nut lock (5), spring washer (4) and cotter pin (1). See Fig 2.