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Axle Shaft

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Power produced by your vehicle's engine, no matter how impressive its amount, is useless when it can't reach the wheels. This is why your vehicle is equipped with two axle shafts. The axle shaft, also called a halfshaft, is responsible for transmitting power from the differential to the wheels. An axle shaft is positioned on each side of the vehicle's differential, and each axle shaft is equipped with two constant-velocity (CV) joints. These joints move and revolve to accommodate an efficient torque transfer, while dissipating any vibration that might come from the transmission and the engine. The axle shaft's CV joints are packed with grease and contained inside a rubber boot; should this boot be damaged, dirt and dust can enter the CV joints and cause damage. And you can easily tell when it's time to get a new axle shaft for your vehicle. When your vehicle's starts making clicking sounds that become more noticeable during turns, it's time to browse Carparts's catalogs for a new axle shaft.


• Transmits generated torque from the transmission and differential gears to the wheels

• Prevents transmission or engine vibrations from affecting the wheels

• Supported by heavy-duty, boot-protected bearings and joints

Axle Shaft Articles

  • A General Guide to Installing an Axle Shaft 11 January 2013

    An axle shaft makes steering your vehicle possible. Its rotating motion from the final drive assembly is translated to the drive wheels to interpret as a left or right turn. Below are instructions to teach you how to install an axle shaft. Note that the steps may vary minimally from car to car-this instruction guide, however, will give you the general idea.

    Required skill level: Intermediate

    Needed tools and materials

    1. Car jack and jack stands
    2. Ratchet
    3. Socket set
    4. Tire wrench
    5. Pneumatic drill
    6. Pliers

    Preparation

    Jack up the car to give you enough elbow room while doing the project. Securing it with jack stands is the best way to go. After doing so, remove the hubcap and loosen the axle shaft nut using pliers. It is usually located at the very center of the wheel.

    Removing the adjacent parts

    Remove the wheel after the axle shaft nut is loosened. Remove the brake calipers as well by releasing the bolts that connect it to the rotor. After unscrewing the bolts, the caliper can be easily pulled off and rotated away from the rotor. Pull off the rotor afterwards until you see two or three bolts holding the hub in place. Remove these as well.

    Using the high-powered tool

    The hub will come off after you unscrewed the bolts that hold it in place-this will give you access to the axle nut. Remove this by drilling it in high torque using a pneumatic drill. Take a visual of the dust shield after the axle nut is removed; remember the way it is facing to avoid reinstalling it the wrong way. Remove this after inspection.

    Out with the old, in with the new

    The axle shaft will stick out after the dust shield is removed. Remove it using your hands. Maintain a slow and protective pace as you may unwittingly rearrange the delicate components around it. Insert the new axle shaft unit the same way as you went when you took the previous one out.

    Putting everything back

    Retrace your steps back to the beginning when restoring the adjacent components. If you followed the first steps, it should not cause you any problems when you place the parts back to their respective places.

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