Driveline System
Driveline System
The driveline consists of the following:
- Front driveshaft
- CV joints
- Front drive axle
- Front axle halfshafts
- Rear driveshafts
- U-joints and flanges
- Center support bearings
- Rear drive axle
- Rear axle halfshafts
The source of the drivetrain's power is generated by the engine and delivered to the transmission. The driveline transfers the engine torque through the driveshaft to the axle and halfshafts. On Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) vehicles, power is transmitted through the transmission to the driveshaft, rear axle and halfshafts. On Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) vehicles, power is transmitted through the transmission and the transfer case. The transfer case directs the power to the rear driveshaft and then to the rear axle. When engaged, it also transmits power through the front driveshaft to the front axle and halfshafts. The axles are mounted to the vehicle in rubber isolators and the necessary changes in driveshaft length are provided in the CV joints or driveshaft slip joints. The engine torque enters the axle through the drive pinion, which rotates the ring gear. The ring gear is mounted to the differential case, which contains the gears that transmit power to the splined front or rear axle halfshafts or halfshafts and allow the halfshafts to turn at varying speeds as when cornering. These halfshafts rotate the drive wheels.
Axle Identification
The axle ratio may be verified by checking the printed label on the axle housing. If worn or not visible, the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) can be typed in the service parts ordering system or the Vehicle Certification (VC) label may be used to correctly identify the axle and ratio. The VC label is located in the driver door jamb. The first 2 digits of the axle code indicate the rear axle and the third digit refers to the front axle, if so equipped. For information on the VC label, refer to Vehicle/Application and ID.
Vehicle Certification (VC) Label Example
Front Axle Identification Tag
Rear Axle Identification Tag
