The transaxle is took through to the wheels through two axle shafts, the inner ends of which are splined into the gears of the differential, and the outer ones are splined to the axle hubs, and held by a large lock nut. The inner ends have sliding constant velocity joints, which permit both angular and axial movement, including a tripod bearing, and a joint housing, which permit the slide as the axle shaft passes with the wheel. These joints are removable and washable in case a boot is faulty but damaged components should be totally replaced. The ball joint type of the outer
CV Joints has ball bearings that are located in an inner race and an outer cage that allow angular but not an axial movement. Although outer joints may be cleaned, checked up, and repacked, they must not be taken apart, but in case of damage, the whole joint must be replaced with the axle shaft as one component. The 1.8L DOHC engine vehicles also have an intermediate joint shaft installed between the transaxle and right axle shaft and it is supported by a bracket at its outer end. The boots should be regularly examined to check their damages and any leakages of lubricant since torn CV joint boots should be replaced immediately to avoid damages to the joint. Replacement of boots normally involves removal of axle shaft but replacement boots of the split type are available in some auto part shops and can be fitted without the need to remove axle shaft. It is, however, a good practice to take off the axle shaft and strip off the CV joint to completely cleanse it to get rid of any contaminants that would hasten the wear. Worn or damaged CV joints are common and are characterized by leaks of lubricants, clicking sounds during any turns, clunks of acceleration following coasting, and vibrations at the highway speeds. Checking wear Measure each axle separately and turn it, with the CV joint housings in hand, feeling a play in the joints that shows lost splines or loose joints, and also checking the axle shaft with cracks, dents, and distortion.