Dodge 2000 DURANGO Service Manual page 68

3 - 18 FRONT AXLE DRIVESHAFTS
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
FRONT AXLE DRIVESHAFTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
VEHICLE INSPECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
NOISE AND/OR VIBRATION IN TURNS . . . . . . . . 18
CLUNKING NOISE DURING ACCELERATION . . . 18
SHUDDER OR VIBRATION DURING
ACCELERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
VIBRATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS . . . . . . . . . . . 20
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
FRONT DRIVESHAFT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
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.
FRONT AXLE DRIVESHAFTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page
C/V JOINT BOOTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY
INNER C/V JOINT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
OUTER C/V JOINT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
CLEANING AND INSPECTION
C/V JOINT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
C/V JOINT BOOTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
SPECIAL TOOLS
C/V JOINT DRIVESHAFT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
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 dam-
age.
(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.
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