Pic. 9.28. Drive shaft: a - left side; b - right side; 1, 12, 15 - retaining rings; 2 - hinge holder; 3 - separator; 4 - ball; 5, 7, 9, 11 - clamps; 6 - protective cover; 8 - internal CV joint; 10 - protective cover; 13 - thrust ring; 14 - outer CV joint housing
Wheel drive shafts transmit torque from the engine, gearbox and differential to the front wheels (pic. 9.28). In the gearbox housing, the drive shafts are splined to the side gears of the differential. The splined tip of the internal hinge of the drive shaft in the side gear is fixed with a snap ring. When installed, the retaining ring is compressed, entering the groove of the shaft. After the shaft is fully installed in the side gear of the differential, the retaining ring is unclenched and fixes the splined tip from axial movement. The outer hinges of the drive shafts are attached to the front wheel hubs mounted on bearings. The shaft is attached to the hub with a nut.
The drive shafts are the same length with an intermediate shaft located between the gearbox and the right drive shaft. The CV joints are protected by rubber boots, which are fastened with clamps and prevent contamination of the CV joints with water and dirt.
Covers should be inspected periodically for signs of damage, lubricant leaks, or cuts.
Damaged CV joints must be replaced immediately with new ones, otherwise the CV joints may be damaged. Replacing the boot includes operations to remove the drive shafts. The most common sign of CV joint wear or damage, other than lubrication leaks, is clicking when cornering, humming when accelerating from a coasting condition, or vibration at high highway speeds.