Axle Shaft Assembly: Description and Operation

Drive Axle

Wheel bearings must not be burdened when drive axle connection is loose.

If the bearings are loaded by the vehicle weight the wheel bearing will be damaged. This reduces the service life of the wheel bearings.

Vehicles without a drive axle must not be moved, otherwise the wheel bearing will be damaged. If vehicle must be moved, observe the following:

- Install an outer joint in place of the drive axle.

- Tighten the outer joint to 120 Nm (twelve-point bolt) or 200 Nm (hex bolt).

Loosening the connection between the drive axle and wheel hub:

• => [ Hex Bolt between Drive Axle and Wheel Hub, Loosening and Tightening ] Hex Bolt Between Drive Axle and Wheel Hub, Loosening and Tightening

• => [ Twelve-Point Bolt with Ribs, Loosening and Tightening, Drive Axle to Wheel Hub ] Twelve-Point Bolt With Ribs, Loosening and Tightening, Drive Axle to Wheel Hub

• => [ Twelve-Point Bolt without Ribs, Loosening and Tightening, Drive Axle to Wheel Hub ] Twelve-Point Bolt Without Ribs, Loosening and Tightening, Drive Axle to Wheel Hub

Tightening the threaded connection between the drive axle and flange shaft:

• First diagonally tighten all six bolts to 10 Nm. Then diagonally tighten them again to the tightening specification.

Lightly coat the splines on the outer joint with assembly paste before installing the outer joint into the wheel hub. Refer to the Parts Catalog.

Never allow the drive axle just to hang loose under the vehicle or to bend them at the joints.

Always replace self-locking nuts and bolts.

Always replace the bolts and nuts, which are tightened with an additional tightening angle.