Rear Wheel Drive Shaft Tri-Pot Joints
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Pontiac Aztek, 2003 Buick Rendezvous, 2002 Pontiac Aztek, 2002 Buick Rendezvous, and 2001 Pontiac Aztek. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The rear wheel drive shaft tri-pot joints are made without an over-extension limitation retainer. Care must be exercised when removing and installing the rear wheel drive shafts in order not to over-extend the tri-pot joints. Damage and tri-pot failure may result. The joint is constructed as follows: The wheel drive axle has a female spline. The female spline installs over an axle shaft that protrudes from the rear differential. The wheel drive axle utilizes a barrel-type retaining ring in order to positively secure the inner tri-pot joint to the rear differential axle shaft.