Section 2 (Axle Shafts - Front): Description
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1990 Subaru XT6, 1990 Subaru XT, 1990 Subaru Loyale, 1990 Subaru Legacy, and 1990 Subaru Justy. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Axle shafts transfer power from transaxle to driving wheels. All axle shafts consist of a shaft with a flexible Constant Velocity (CV) joint at each end. Inner CV joint is splined or bolted to transaxle. Outer CV joint is splined to hub assembly and secured by axle shaft nut.
Inner and outer CV joints are enclosed by CV joint boots. Boots maintain lubrication in the joint and prevents contaminants from entering the joint. Boots must be replaced when signs of leakage or cracks are present. Inner CV joint can be repaired, but outer CV joint must be replaced as an assembly.
NOTE:
For information on rear axle shafts for 4WD vehicles, see DRIVE AXLE - 4WD REAR DRIVE AXLE
article.