Section 15 (Fwd Axle Shafts): Description

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1992 Pontiac Trans Sport, 1992 Oldsmobile Silhouette, 1992 Chevrolet Lumina APV, and 1992 Chevrolet APV. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Drive axles are completely flexible assemblies consisting of an inner and an outer Constant Velocity (CV) joint connected by an axle shaft. See Fig 1 Inner tripot CV joint is capable of moving in and out. Outer ball/cage CV joint is flexible but cannot move in and out.

All drive axles, except left inboard end on A/T models, incorporate a male spline and interlock with transaxle gears through the use of barrel-type snap rings. Left inboard shaft attachment on A/T models uses a female spline. Female spline is installed over a stub shaft extending out from transaxle.

Drive axle spline end mating with knuckle and hub assembly is a helical spline. Spline provides a tight press fit and assures end play does not exist between hub bearing and drive shaft assembly. Intermediate shaft assemblies are used on M/T models.

Fig 1: Exploded View Of Inner & Outer CV Joints

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.