Pontiac Fiero 1988 Service Manual page 214

DRIVE AXLE 4D-1
SECTION 4D
RIVE AXLE
NOTICE:
All rear suspension fasteners are an important attaching part in that it could affect the performance of
vital parts and systems, and/or could result in major repair expense. They must be replaced with one of the same part
number or with an equivalent part if replacement becomes necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or
substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to assure proper retention of this part.
Never attempt to heat, quench or straighten any rear suspension part, replace it with a new part.
CONTENTS
G e n e r a l D e s c r i p t i o n
4D-1
D i a g n o s i s
4D-1
O n - C a r S e r v i c e
4D-1
Drive Axle . . . 4D-1
Inboard Thermoplastic Seal 4D-4
Unit R e p a i r
4D-6
Deflector Ring 4D-6
Outer Joint Seal 4D-6
Outer Joint 4D-6
Inner Joint 4D-7
S p e c i a l T o o l s
4D-8
G E N E R A L D E S C R I P T I O N
Drive axles are completely flexible assemblies
consisting of an inner Tri-Pot joint and an outer con-
stant velocity joint connected by an axle shaft. The
inner joint is completely flexible, plus it has the capa-
bility of in and out movement. The outer joint is also
flexible, but cannot move in and out.
All drive axles except the R.H. inboard joint of
the automatic transaxles incorporate a male spline and
interlocks with the transaxle gears through the use of
barrel type snap rings. The L.H. inboard shaft attach-
ment, on the automatic transaxle utilizes a female
spline which installs over a stub shaft protruding from
the transaxle.
The drive axle shaft spline end mating with the
steering knuckle and hub assembly will incorporate a
slight helix to assure a tight press fit. This will assure
no radial play between the hub and drive axle assem-
bly for durability and bearing noise considerations.
DIAGNOSIS
C o c k i n g N o i s e i n T u r n s
Inspect
Worn or damaged outer C.V. joint. Check for
cut or damaged seals.
C l u n k W h e n A c c e l e r a t i n g F r o m C o a s t T o
D r i v e
|y| Inspect
Worn or damaged outer C.V. joint.
S h u d d e r o r V i b r a t i o n D u r i n g A c c e l e r a t i o n
Inspect
1. Excessive joint angle
2. Excessive toe
3. Incorrect trim height
4. Worn or damaged outer C.V. joint
5. Sticking spider assembly
V i b r a t i o n A t H i g h w a y S p e e d s
Iffij
Inspect
1. Out of balance rear tires or wheels
2. Out of round rear tires or wheels
3. Worn outer C.V. joint
4. Binding or tight joint
ON-CAR SERVICE
D R I V E A X L E
Figures 1 through 4
Some cars use a silicone (gray) boot on the drive
axle joints. Use boot protector J-33162 on these
boots. All other boots are made of thermoplastic
material (black) and DO NOT require use of the boot
protector.