Front Drive Halfshafts: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Milan, 2006 Lincoln Zephyr, and 2006 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Inboard and outboard constant velocity (CV) joints connect to a splined shaft. Driveshaft bearing retainer circlips retain the CV joints to the splined shaft.
On the LH side, the inboard CV joint is retained in the differential side gear with a 33 mm (1.29 in) retainer circlip. Install a new circlip every time the halfshaft is disconnected.
On the RH side, a 30 mm (1.181 in) driveshaft bearing retainer circlip retains the splined inboard CV joint to the intermediate shaft. Install a new circlip every time you disconnect the halfshaft from the intermediate shaft.
A front axle wheel hub retainer secures the splined outboard CV joint to the wheel hub.
The lubed-for-life CV joints use special CV joint grease. They require no periodic lubrication.
The halfshafts are not serviceable. If worn or damaged, install new.