Axle Shafts

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

An inspection of the inner and outer boots is necessary so that if damage or grease leakage is evident, installation of a new axle shaft can take place immediately. Continued operation with damage or grease leakage will result in CV joint wear and noise due to contamination and loss of the CV joint grease. The right and left axle shafts are the same length. The inboard and outboard CV joints connect to a splined shaft.

A circlip stopper holds the cross groove inboard race assembly (inboard CV joint) together. An axle circlip retains the splined inboard CV joint to the differential side gear. Install a new axle circlip each time the axle shaft is removed from the vehicle. A rear axle wheel hub nut secures the side shaft assembly (interconnecting shaft and outboard CV joint) to the rear hub. Install a new rear axle wheel hub nut each time the axle shaft is removed from the vehicle. Handle all axle shaft components carefully during removal and installation procedures.