DESCRIPTION

This vehicle is equipped with either an equal length halfshaft system, consisting of short halfshafts on both sides with an intermediate drive shaft on the right side, or an unequal length halfshaft system consisting of short left and long right halfshafts. The halfshafts consist of a fixed constant velocity (CV) joint at the outboard end connected by a solid shaft to a plunging CV joint on the inboard end. The inner (CV) joint has a splined connection into the transmission, or onto the intermediate drive shaft, and is retained with a snap ring. The outer joint has a spline connection to the wheel hub and is retained with a steel lock nut.

All the halfshaft assemblies use the same type of inner and outer joints. The inner joint is a tripod joint that allows for the changes in halfshaft length through the jounce and rebound travel of the front suspension. The outer joint is a Rzeppa joint that allows articulation during front suspension travel and steering. Both tripod joints and Rzeppa joints are true constant velocity (CV) joint assemblies.

The inner tripod joints are designed with a retention feature that prevents the tripod rollers from coming out of the inner joint housing up to a specific load. If this feature is overcome and any of the rollers are pulled past the retention feature the joint will "lock-up" and no longer function properly. The entire halfshaft assembly must be replaced if this occurs.

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING

HALFSHAFT

VEHICLE INSPECTION

1. Check for grease in the vicinity of the inboard tripod joint and outboard CV joint; this is a sign of inner or outer joint seal boot or seal boot clamp damage.

NOISE OR VIBRATION IN TURNS

A clicking noise or a vibration in turns could be caused by one of the following conditions:

• Damaged outer CV or inner tripod joint seal boot or seal boot clamps. This will result in the loss and/or contamination of the joint grease, resulting in inadequate lubrication of the joint.
• Noise may also be caused by another component of the vehicle coming in contact with the half shafts.

CLUNKING NOISE DURING ACCELERATION

This noise may be a result of one of the following conditions:

• A torn seal boot on the inner or outer joint of the half shaft assembly.
• A loose or missing clamp on the inner or outer joint of the half shaft assembly.
• A damaged or worn half shaft CV joint.

SHUDDER OR VIBRATION DURING ACCELERATION

This problem could be a result of:

• A worn or damaged half shaft inner tripod joint.
• A sticking tripod joint spider assembly (inner tripod joint only).
• Improper wheel alignment.

VIBRATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS

This problem could be a result of:

• Foreign material (mud, etc.) packed on the backside of the wheel(s).
• Out of balance tires or wheels.
• Improper tire or wheel runout.