Description & Operation

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

Axle shafts transfer power from transaxle to front drive wheels. Axle shafts consist of a shaft with a flexible Constant Velocity (CV) joint at each end. Inner CV joint is splined to differential. Outer CV joint is splined to hub assembly and secured by axle shaft hub nut.

CV joint boots protect CV joints by maintaining proper lubrication and preventing contaminants from entering joint. CV joint boots should be replaced when leakage or cracks are present. Inner CV joint can be repaired without replacing the assembly. Outer CV joint should be replaced as an assembly.

Handle all axle shaft components carefully during removal and installation and during various component disassembly and assembly procedures. For exploded view of axle shafts, see Fig 1 .

Fig 1: Identifying Front Axle Shaft Components (Typical)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.