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.
Starter Switch Check
Warning
When you are doing this inspection, the vehicle could move suddenly. If the
vehicle moves, you or others could be injured.
1. Before starting this check, be sure there is enough room around the vehicle.
2. Apply both the parking brake and the regular brake.
Do not use the accelerator p ...
Brake Caliper Inspection
Warning: Refer to Brake Dust Warning.
Inspect the brake caliper housing (1) for cracks, excess wear, and/or damage.
If any of these conditions are present, the brake caliper requires replacement.
Inspect the caliper piston dust boot seal (2) for cracks, tears, ...
Cooling system
Coolant
The engine cooling system is filled with a mixture
of purified water and coolant additive at the factory.
This coolant must not be not changed.
The coolant level is monitored using the
indicator
light. However, you should occasionally
check the coolant level.
Messages
The following messag ...