Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Description & Operation
Power is transferred to drive wheels by 2 axle shafts. Axle shafts have inner and outer Constant Velocity (CV) joints. Inner CV joint is a tripot/free-motion or cross-groove type joint that can slide in and out. Outer joint is a Rzeppa type that is flexible but does not move in and out. All axle shafts, except left inner axle shaft on A/T models, use a male splined end which interlocks with transaxle gears and is held in place by a circlip.
Left inner axle shaft on A/T models uses a female splined end and interlocks with protruding stub shaft. Some models use an intermediate shaft between axle shaft and transaxle. Models with an Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) have a toothed exciter ring on outer CV joint housing. All models use tripot/free-motion type inner joint.
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Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.