Description And Operation: Driveshaft

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Mercury Mariner and 2008 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: All driveshaft assemblies are balanced. If undercoating the vehicle, protect the driveshaft to prevent overspray of any undercoating material or an unbalanced condition may occur.

The driveshaft is a 2-piece shaft which transfers the rotational torque from the power transfer unit (PTU) to the rear drive axle. The driveshaft uses constant velocity (CV) joints, U-joints and a center support for consistent operation through varying lengths and angles.

The driveshaft contains:

spot welded balance weights.
a front CV joint at the PTU.
a center support bearing assembly with a ground strap.
staked and snap ring type U-joints.
U-joint cap straps for the center U-joint.
square flanged rear U-joint.