A B C D E F G H I K L M O P Q R S T V W Find your Axle Shaft Front now!An axle shaft transfers power from the differential to the wheels. There are two kinds of front axles: solid and CV.
Traditional four wheel drive vehicles have a solid axle that drives the front wheels. The axle shafts can be engaged and disengaged from the drive train both at the differential and the front wheels. Some newer vehicles use a two-piece system where the outer and inner axle are connected together via an automated mechanism.
Front wheel drive cars and some newer four wheel drive vehicles use continuously variable (CV) axles. These use special joints that let the axle spin at the same speed regardless of how they are flexed. These joints are protected by rubber boots which can split, letting dirt in that can prematurely wear the joint. Failing joints make a clicking sound when making a turn because of the space between the worn parts.