Drive Axles, Bearings and Joints: Description and Operation

GENERAL INFORMATION

Chrysler front wheel drive vehicles use two different driveshaft systems. All 2.2 liter turbo-charged vehicles use an "equal length" system while all other vehicles use an "unequal length" system.

For 2.2L Turbo Models:

The "equal length" system has short solid interconnecting shafts of equal length on the left and right sides. The "unequal length" system has a short solid interconnecting shaft on the left side with a longer tubular interconnecting shaft on the right.

The driveshaft assemblies can be serviced in the same manner for both systems with the exception of a rubber washer seal attached to the right inner constant velocity (CV) joint, on an "equal length" installation. The "equal length" system also has an 'intermediate shaft" attached to a "cardan joint" (U-joint) with a stub shaft splined into the right side of the transaxle with a bearing and bracket assembly fastened to the right rear of the engine block.

The driveshaft assemblies are three piece units. Each driveshaft has a "Tripod" joint, an interconnecting shaft and a "Rzeppa" joint, the "Tripod" joint is splined into the transaxle side gear, or into the intermediate shaft on the right side of an "equal length" system. The "Rzeppa" joint has a stub shaft that is splined into the wheel hub.