Caution: For front axle maintenance operations, see Chapter 9
The vehicles are equipped with a two-section cardan shaft with a central support and three cardan joints on the gearbox side, the rear axle gearbox side and on the central support. The joints can be replaced separately. The cardan shaft is balanced at the factory; its original orientation relative to other parts must not be disturbed during assembly.
The rear axle consists of a beam, a reduction gear, and axle shafts. The reduction gear transmits rotation from the cardan shaft to the wheels and is installed in the middle part of the axle. The axle shafts have splined internal ends that are inserted into the splines of the drive gears of the reduction gear differential. The external ends of the axle shafts rotate in the bearings of the rear wheels. Disassembly and repair of the reduction gear are performed in a car service center.
10.1 Cardan shaft A - Models 3S63H, 3S80B and 3S71A
1. Middle support; 2. Washer; 3. Flange; 4. Rear shaft section; 5. Front shaft section; 6. Middle support clamp; 7. Bracket; 8. Crosspiece; 9. Retaining ring; 10. Bearing