Axle Shafts: Description
Drive axles are completely flexible assemblies consisting of an inner and an outer Constant Velocity (CV) joint connected by an axle shaft. Inner tripot CV joint is completely flexible and capable of moving in and out. Outer ball/cage CV joint is also flexible but cannot move in and out. All drive axles, except left hand inboard end on automatic transaxle, incorporate a male spline and interlock with transaxles gears through the use of barrel-type snap rings. Left hand inboard shaft attachment on automatic transaxle uses a female spline. Female spline is installed over a stub shaft extending out from transaxle.
Drive axle spline end mating with knuckle and hub assembly is a helical spline. Spline provides a tight press fit and assures end play does not exist between hub bearing and drive shaft assembly.
Intermediate shaft assemblies are used on models with manual transaxles.