Chevrolet 25792317 Differential Assembly

Power is transmitted from the front differential/axle to the front wheels through a pair of axle shafts. The inner end of the axle shafts are splined to the differential side gears. The outer end of each axle shaft has a stub shaft that is splined to the front hub and bearing assembly and locked in place with a large nut. The inner ends of the axle shafts are equipped with sliding constant velocity (CV) joints, which are capable of both angular and axial motion. Each inner CV joint assembly consists of a ball-and-cage type bearing and a housing in which the joint is free to slide in--and-out as the axle shaft moves up-and-down with the wheel. The outer ends of the axle shafts are also equipped with ball-and-cage type CV joints, which are capable of angular but not axial movement. Each outer CV joint consists of six caged ball bearings running between an inner race and the housing. The boots should be inspected periodically for damage and leaking lubricant. Torn CV joint boots must be replaced immediately or the joints will be damaged. If either boot of an axle shaft is damaged, that axle shaft must be removed in order to replace the boot. Should a boot be damaged, the CV joint can be disassembled and cleaned, but if any parts are damaged, the entire axle shaft assembly must be replaced as a unit. The most common symptom of worn or damaged CV joints, besides lubricant leaks, is a clicking noise in turns, a clunk when accelerating after coasting and vibration at highway speeds. To check for wear in the CV joints and axle shafts, grasp each axle (one at a time) and rotate it in both directions while holding the CV joint housings, feeling for play indicating worn splines or sloppy CV joints. Also check the axle shafts for cracks, dents and distortion.