Ford 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual page 495

SECTION 205-05: Rear Drive Halfshafts
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
Rear Drive Halfshafts
The rear wheel drive halfshaft system consists of and operates as follows:
Halfshafts (4K138) transmit engine torque from the rear axle housing to the rear wheels.
Halfshafts rotate at approximately one-third the speed of a driveshaft and do not contribute to
rotational vibration disturbances.
A constant velocity (CV) joint is a mechanism for transmitting uniform torque and rotary motion
while operating through a range of angles.
CV joints at both inboard (differential) and outboard (wheel) ends provide operating
smoothness.
The inboard CV joints are plunge-type joints that provide the axial movement necessary to
affect shaft length changes.
The outboard CV joints have a higher angle capability than the inboard CV joints to
accommodate suspension travel.
Inboard and outboard CV joints connect to a splined shaft.
A driveshaft bearing retainer circlip retains the splined inboard CV joint to the differential side
gear. Install a new circlip every time you remove the halfshaft from the vehicle.
A rear axle wheel hub retainer secures the interconnecting shaft and outboard CV joint to the
rear hub.
The lubed-for-life CV joints use special CV joint grease. They require no periodic lubrication.
To separate the halfshaft from the rear hub, press the outboard CV joint from the rear hub.
To separate the halfshaft from the differential, apply a load to the back face of the inboard CV
joint assembly to overcome the circlip.
The halfshaft assemblies are not repairable. Install a new assembly if worn/damaged.
2003 Mustang Workshop Manual