Description and operation. Diagnosis and testing

Description and operation

Front axle driveshafts

DESCRIPTION

The two constant velocity (C/V) drive shafts are identical and interchangeable. They are comprised of three major components (Fig. 1) :

  • An inner, tripod C/V joint
  • A short, solid interconnecting shaft
  • An outer, Rzeppa C/V joint with stub shaft

The inner tripod-joints are attached to the axle shaft splines (Fig. 1). The outer joint is splined and mates with the hub bearing on the knuckle.

The lubricant amounts included with replacement rubber boots are different for inner and outer C/V joints. Apply only the specified lubricant amount to each C/V joint.

CAUTION: Proper C/V joint boot sealing is critical for retaining the special lubricant. Prevent foreign material from entering and contaminating the C/V joints. Mishandling a C/V drive shaft can cause a boot to be punctured or damage within the joints.

Always support both ends of the C/V drive shaft during removal and installation to avoid damage.

When replacing C/V drive shaft components, ensure that only exact replacements parts are installed.

OPERATION

The axle driveshafts are located on either side of the differential and transmits power to the drive wheels, while allowing for vertical movement in the vehicle's suspension.

Diagnosis and testing

Vehicle inspection

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

(2) A light film of grease may appear on the right inner tripod joint seal boot; this is considered normal and should not require replacement of the seal boot.

Noise and/or vibration in turns

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

  • Damaged outer C/V 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 driveshafts.

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 driveshaft assembly which has allowed the C/V joint to become damaged.
  • A loose or missing clamp on the inner or outer joint of the driveshaft assembly which has allowed the C/V joint to become damaged.
  • A damaged or worn driveshaft C/V joint.

Shudder or vibration during acceleration

This problem could be a result of:

  • A worn or damaged driveshaft inner tripod joint.

Fig. 1 C/V Drive Shaft Components Fig. 1 C/V Drive Shaft Components

1 - RETAINER & HOUSING ASM

2 - C-CLIP

3 - TRIPOD JOINT SPIDER

4 - SEAL RETAINING CLAMP

5 - INNER BOOT

6 - SEAL RETAINING CLAMP

7 - C/V JOINT OUTER RACE

8 - C/V JOINT CAGE

9 - C/V JOINT INNER RACE

10 - CHROME ALLOY BALL

11 - RACE RETAINING RING

12 - SEAL RETAINING CLAMP

13 - DRIVE AXLE OUTBOARD SEAL

14 - SEAL RETAINING CLAMP

15 - AXLE SHAFT

16 - RETAINING RING

17 - BALL & ROLLER RETAINER

18 - TRIPOD JOINT BALL

19 - NEEDLE ROLLER

  • A sticking tripod joint spider assembly (inner tripod joint only).
  • Improper wheel alignment. Refer to Group 2, Suspension, for alignment checking and setting procedures and specifications.

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 front tires or wheels. Refer to Group 22, Wheels And Tires, for the required balancing procedure.
  • Improper tire and/or wheel runout. Refer to Group 22, Wheels And Tires, for the required runout checking procedure.

    Dodge Durango (DN) 1998-2003 Service Manual

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