Table of Contents
What connects the front axle to the rear axle?
Universal joints that connect the drive axle are called constant velocity joints. These joints are typically referred to as CV joints. The outer CV joint is a ball and cage that remains in a fixed position.
What is the part that connects the wheel to the axle?
CV joint
The CV joint is what connects the axle and wheel together. And it is the CV joint that must be maintained in order for the axles to do their job properly. The CV joint is covered by a boot, a protecting flexible cover.
Where is the front axle seal?
On a front wheel drive vehicle, the axle seal is at the inboard end of the axle where it goes into the transaxle.
What is AC clip axle?
C-clip axle bearings: These bearings are not required to hold the axle in the housing as the c-clip on the splined end of the axle handles the retention so the bearing only rides loosely on the shaft and is held in location by the housing end and a retainer or backing plate.
Certain rear wheel bearings use the axle as an inner race; that is the bearing rollers ride directly on the axle shaft itself. At times, worn or pitted rollers, chipped or damaged bearings can wear a groove into the axle shaft.
How can you tell if an axle tube is narrowed?
Certain models have a narrowed axle tube that will not allow the repair bearing to be properly installed. If the axle tube has a bearing seat on the inside of the axle tube, measure the depth from the outside edge of the axle tube to the inside seat and compare this to your repair bearing width.
When do you need to replace an axle seal?
At times, worn or pitted rollers, chipped or damaged bearings can wear a groove into the axle shaft. (See Fig. 1) Over time, the seal may also wear a groove into the axle shaft. (See Fig. 2) When this occurs it’s usually necessary to replace the axle shaft assembly, bearings and seal.
What’s the best way to repair an axle?
1) Following the vehicle manufacturers recommended disassembly procedures; remove the axle, old seal and bearing. 2) Use only a fine grade emery paper to clean the axle shaft between the flange and the worn area. This will be the new roller path and seal surface.