Drive shafts are used to transmit drive from the transfer box to
the front and rear differentials.
The front drive shaft is a one-piece
unit, connected to the transfer box and front differential unit via Constant
Velocity (CV) joints.
The rear drive shaft is a two-piece unit, supported
on a central bearing due to its increased length. The rear drive shaft is
connected to the transfer box via a CV joint and the rear differential with a
universal joint. These joints allow for angular deviations of the drive shaft
due to acceleration and braking.
The front and rear drive shafts are not
serviceable items and a failure will require the replacement of the complete
drive shaft assembly.
FRONT DRIVE SHAFT
1
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CV joint
2
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Front drive shaft
The front drive shaft is
constructed from 1.7 mm wall tubular steel. A CV joint is attached to each end
of the drive shaft (see 'Halfshaft Joint' section for more information on CV
joints). The shaft has an overall nominal length of 713 mm.
Each CV joint
has six holes, which allow for attachment to the input flange of the front
differential and the front output flange of the transfer box. The CV joints are
secured to the front differential and transfer box with six Torx head adhesive
retained bolts.
Three compression link washers are fitted under each pair
of bolts. The washers are required to prevent compression of the CV joints
attachment flange.
A shroud is pressed over the CV joint. The shroud
seals to the joint body using an internal gasket and to the front output flange
of the transfer box using an end cap and internal gasket. This prevents the
ingress of dirt and moisture. The CV joints allow for movement of the drive
shaft caused by small movements in the transmission and transfer box
mountings.
REAR DRIVE SHAFT ASSEMBLY
1
-
CV joints
2
-
Collapsible crash section
3
-
Front shaft assembly
4
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Support bearing
5
-
Rear shaft assembly
6
-
Universal joint
The rear drive shaft assembly
comprises front and rear shaft assemblies and a centrally mounted shaft bearing.
The rear drive shaft assembly has an overall nominal length of 1309 mm.
Front Shaft Assembly
The front shaft assembly incorporates a crash
feature within the tube, which controls the collapse of the drive shaft during a
crash.
The front shaft assembly comprises a CV joint at each end (see
'Halfshaft Joint' section for more information on CV joints).
The front
CV joint (transfer box end) has six radial holes, which provide for the
attachment to the transfer box rear output flange. The joint is secured to the
output flange with six torx bolts, which screw into threaded holes in the
flange. Three compression link washers are fitted under each pair of bolts. The
rear splined shaft mates with splines in the rear shaft CV joint hub and is
pressed in and fixed with Locktite. A machined surface on the shaft accepts the
shaft bearing, which is a press fit.
Rear Shaft Assembly
The rear shaft assembly comprises a Hookes type
universal joint at the rear (rear differential end).
The universal joint
is welded to the rear shaft tube and is secured to the input shaft of the rear
differential with four flanged nuts. The opposite end of the rear shaft tube is
welded directly to the CV joint body.
Shaft Bearing Assembly
The shaft bearing assembly comprises a pressed
steel housing, a rubber diaphragm and a ball bearing. The diaphragm is bonded
into the housing. An internal metal ring, bonded to the bush, allows for the
bearing to be press fitted into it. The rubber bush allows for small deviations
in alignment and also absorbs vibrational forces. The shaft bearing assembly is
located by screws, which pass through plain holes in the bearing assembly and
locate into nuts welded on the inside face of the chassis cross-member.