Features of the design of the front wheel drives

Torque is transmitted to the front wheels through constant velocity joints (CV joints), connected to each other by a shaft. The connection of the shaft with the hinges is splined, from longitudinal movement the shaft is fixed in the hinges with a thrust and lock rings. The splined shank of the outer joint is connected to the wheel hub and secured with a bearing nut, while the inner joint is connected to the side gear in the front axle.

Each hinge consists of a body, separator, inner race and six balls. The latter are placed in the grooves of the body and clip. In the outer joint, these grooves are made along the radius, due to which it can transmit torque at an angle, while in the inner joint they are straight, which allows parts to move in the longitudinal direction, «lengthening» or «shortening» drive unit (this is necessary to compensate for the mutual movements of the suspension and the power unit). Inside the cage there is a splined hole for connection with the drive shaft.

Details of each hinge are made with high precision, balls of one sorting group are selected individually for each hinge. Therefore, it is unacceptable to replace individual parts, and before disassembling, their relative position should be noted.

SHRUS-4 grease is placed in the hinge before assembly. The tightness of the hinge - an indispensable condition for its reliable operation - is ensured by protective rubber covers. The cover with its ends is put on the hinge body and the drive shaft and secured with clamps. It is allowed to use only special clamps with a smooth inner surface and no protruding parts. The cover of the external hinge is additionally protected by a plastic casing. Dirt-reflecting rings are pressed onto the bodies of the inner and outer hinges.

It is not allowed to replace individual parts of the hinges, with the exception of covers, clamps, casings of locking, thrust and mud-reflecting rings.