Description & Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Mercury Monterey and 2004 Ford Freestar. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: Never pick up or hold the axle shaft only by the inner or outer Constant Velocity (CV) joint. Handle all axle shaft components carefully during removal and installation. Do not over-angle the CV joints. Damage will occur to an assembled inner CV joint if it is over-plunged outward from the joint housing. Never use a hammer to remove or install the axle shafts. Do not allow the boots to contact sharp edges or hot exhaust components. Never use the axle shaft assembly as a lever to position other components. Always support the free end of the axle shaft. Handle the axle shaft only by the interconnecting shaft to avoid pull-apart and potential damage to the CV joints. Do not drop the assembled axle shafts. The impact will cut the boots from the inside without evidence of external damage. Do not remove the outer CV joint by pulling on the interconnecting shaft. Inspect all machined surfaces and splines for damage. Never raise the vehicle using the axle shafts as lift points. Never tow a vehicle using the axle shaft as anchor points for tow truck cable or chains. Protect the boots from undercoating and rustproofing materials. Foreign materials on the boots will cause extreme advanced wear.

The drivetrain's power is generated by the engine and delivered to the transmission. The axle shafts transfer the engine torque from the transmission to the drive wheels. The front axle shafts have the following characteristics.

Axle shaft assemblies are not repairable and must be replaced if worn or damaged.
Inner and outer CV joints are connected to a splined shaft. Driveshaft bearing retainer circlips retain the CV joints to the splined shafts.
On the right side, a driveshaft bearing retainer circlip retains the splined inner CV joint to the differential side gear.
Install a new circlip every time the axle shaft is separated from the differential side gear. A front axle wheel hub retainer secures the splined outer CV joint to the wheel hub.