Front Drive Halfshaft

Front Drive Halfshafts
Inboard and outboard CV joints connect to a splined shaft. Driveshaft bearing retainer circlips retain the CV joints to the splined shaft.

On the LH side, a driveshaft bearing retainer circlip retains the splined inboard CV joint to the differential side gear. Install a new circlip every time you remove the halfshaft from the vehicle.

A front axle wheel end nut secures the splined outboard CV joint to the wheel hub.

The lubed-for-life CV joints use special CV joint grease. They require no periodic lubrication.

Halfshaft Handling

CAUTION: Never pick up or hold the halfshaft only by the inboard or outboard CV joint.

Handle all halfshaft components carefully during removal and installation.
^ Do not over-angle the CV joints.
^ Damage will occur to an assembled inboard CV joint if it is over-plunged outward from the joint housing.
^ Never use the halfshaft assembly as a lever to position other components. Always support the free end of the halfshaft.
^ Do not allow the boots to contact sharp edges or hot exhaust components.
^ Handle the halfshaft only by the interconnecting shaft to avoid potential damage to the CV joints.
^ Do not drop assembled halfshafts. The impact will cut the boots from the inside without evidence of external damage.
^ Do not remove the inner CV joint by pulling on the interconnecting shaft.
^ Inspect all machined surfaces and splines for damage.

Wheel and Tire Balancing, Rear

WARNING: Do not balance the front wheels and tires while mounted on the vehicle. Possible tire disintegration, differential or halfshaft failure can result, causing personal injury or extensive component damage. Use an off-vehicle wheel and tire balancer only.

Hoisting

CAUTION: Use a frame-contact hoist only. Vehicle or component damage can result if other types of hoists are used.

Never raise the vehicle using the halfshafts as lift points.

Towing
Never tow a vehicle using the halfshafts as anchor points for the tow truck cable or chains. Refer to the Towing information for correct procedures.

Undercoating and Rustproofing
During undercoating and rustproofing procedures, protect the boots from the coating materials. Foreign materials on the rubber boots will cause extreme advanced wear.