Rear Drive Halfshafts: Notes

The rear wheel drive halfshaft system consists of and operates as follows:

• Halfshafts transmit engine torque from the rear axle housing to the rear wheels.
• Halfshafts rotate at approximately one-third the speed of a driveshaft and do not contribute to rotational vibration disturbances.
• A constant velocity (CV) joint is a mechanism for transmitting uniform torque and rotary motion while operating through a range of angles.
• CV joints at both inboard (differential) and outboard (wheel) ends provide operating smoothness.
• The inboard CV joints are plunge-type joints that provide the axial movement necessary to affect shaft length changes.
• The outboard CV joints have a higher angle capability than the inboard CV joints to accommodate suspension travel.
• Inboard and outboard CV joints connect to a splined shaft.
• A driveshaft bearing retainer circlip retains the splined inboard CV joint to the differential side gear. Install a new circlip every time you remove the halfshaft from the vehicle.
• A rear axle wheel hub retainer secures the interconnecting shaft and outboard CV joint to the rear hub.
• The lubed-for-life CV joints use special CV joint grease. They require no periodic lubrication.
• To separate the halfshaft from the rear hub, press the outboard CV joint from the rear hub.
• To separate the halfshaft from the differential, apply a load to the back face of the inboard CV joint assembly to overcome the circlip.
• The halfshaft assemblies are not repairable. Install a new assembly if worn or damaged.