Front
Front Drive HalfshaftsPart 1:
Part 2:
The front drive halfshafts are of equal lengths with the inner constant velocity (CV) joint being of the plunger type.
The inner and outer CV joints are linked by a solid barshaft. The inner CV joints are retained in the differential with the aid of a spring clip.
On vehicles with 2.0L or diesel engines there is an addition of an intermediate shaft which connects the right-hand side of the differential with the right-hand halfshaft. The right-hand halfshaft is retained in the intermediate shaft with the aid of a spring circlip. The intermediate shaft is supported by an additional bearing which is fitted to the outer end of the intermediate shaft and is attached to the right-hand catalytic converter retaining bracket.
Handling Front Drive Halfshafts
The following points should be observed when handling front drive halfshafts:
^ Do not pull on the CV joints.
^ Do not allow the CV joints to exceed 18 degrees of articulation.
^ Check polished surfaces and splines for damage.
^ Do not allow the CV joint boots to come into contact with sharp edges, hot vehicle components or the exhaust system.
^ Do not drop the front drive halfshafts, this may cause damage to the interior of the boots which may not be visible.
^ Do not support the front drive halfshaft by holding the CV joint alone.
Underbody Protection and Corrosion Prevention
The CV joint boots should be covered during application of underbody protection or corrosion prevention. Foreign matter on the CV boots may cause premature ageing of the material. Foreign material on the front drive halfshafts may cause imbalance.