Front wheel drive axles are flexible assemblies.
Front wheel drive axles consist of the following components:
The front wheel drive shaft connects the front wheel drive shaft tripot joint and the front wheel drive shaft constant velocity joint.
The front wheel drive shaft tripot joint is completely flexible. The front wheel drive shaft tripot joint can move in and out.
The front wheel drive shaft constant velocity joint is flexible, but the front wheel drive shaft constant velocity joint cannot move in and out.
The front wheel drive shaft constant velocity joint and the front wheel drive shaft tripot joint boots in the front wheel drive axle are made of a thermoplastic material.
The clamps in the front wheel drive axle are made of stainless steel.
The boot provides the following functions:
The boot protects the grease from the following sources of damage:
Note:
Protect the boots from sharp tools and from the sharp edges of the surrounding components. Any damage to the boots or the clamps will result in leakage. Leakage will allow water to leak into the front wheel drive shaft tripot joint and the front wheel drive shaft constant velocity joints. Leakage will also allow grease to leak out of the front wheel drive shaft tripot joints and the front wheel drive shaft constant velocity joints. Leakage may cause noisy front wheel drive axle operation and eventual failure of the internal components.
The clamps provide a leak proof connection for the front wheel drive shaft tripot joint and the front wheel drive shaft constant velocity joint at the following locations:
The thermoplastic material performs well under normal conditions and normal operation. However, the material is not strong enough to withstand the following conditions:
The front wheel drive shaft tri-pot joint is made with the tripot design without an over-extension limitation retainer.
The joint is constructed as follows for vehicles that are equipped with an automatic transmission:
The front wheel drive shaft constant velocity joint is made with the Rzeppa joint design.
The shaft end (which mates with the knuckle/hub) has a helical spline. The helical spline ensures a tight, press-type fit.
This design prevents end play between the hub bearing and the front wheel drive axle.
Radio/Audio System Description and Operation
The entertainment system on this vehicle may have several different configurations
available to it. To determine the specific configuration of the vehicle, please
see the Service Parts ID Label, and refer to RPO Code List.
Each item in the list below represents topics covered in detail below. ...
Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding (Pressure)
Special Tools
CH-29532 Diaphragm Type Brake Pressure Bleeder
CH-35589-A Brake Pressure Bleeder Adapter
Warning: Refer to Brake Fluid Irritant Warning.
Caution: Refer to Brake Fluid Effects on Paint and Electrical Components
Caution.
Place a clean shop cloth beneath the b ...
Tire Inflation Description
When you inflate the tires to the recommended inflation pressures, the factory-installed
wheels and tires are designed in order to handle loads to the tire's rated load
capacity. Incorrect tire pressures, or under-inflated tires, can cause the following
conditions:
Vehicle handling co ...