General information about axles and drive shafts (Hyundai Accent LC)

The drive shafts transmit torque from the engine, gearbox and differential to the front wheels. In the gearbox housing, the drive shafts are secured with splined connections to the differential axle gears. The splined end of the inner joint of the drive shaft is fixed in the axle gear by a spring retaining ring. During installation, the retaining ring is compressed, entering the shaft groove. After the shaft is completely installed in the differential axle gear, the retaining ring is expanded and fixes the splined end from axial movement. The outer joints of the drive shafts are attached to the front wheel hubs mounted on bearings. The shaft is fastened to the hub with a nut with a flange. To prevent the nut from loosening, the flange of the nut is bent into the recess of the drive shaft. The play between the hub and the drive shaft is eliminated by the arrangement of the splines. The splines in the hub are straight, and the splines on the shaft are made at a slight angle. Different spline designs provide a connection with a pre-tension, i.e. a fixed fit, eliminating all adjustments.

Constant velocity joints (CV joints) are installed on both sides of the drive shaft. All outer CV joints are Birfield type, and inner ones are tripod or ball type. Tripod type CV joints are used to prevent engine vibrations from being transmitted through the drive shafts to the car body. CV joints are necessary for transmitting torque and compensating for front suspension movement. Also, CV joints allow the length of the drive shaft to be changed and torque to be transmitted at constantly changing angles.