Front Wheel Drives — Design Description (Opel Zafira A)

Front wheel drives transmit torque from the transmission to the front drive wheels regardless of wheel steering angle and suspension position.

Each drive consists of two constant velocity joints (CV joints) and a shaft connecting the joints. The inner joint housing tailpiece is connected to the differential axle gear using a splined connection. The joint transmits torque to the drive shaft regardless of the angle between the joint housing and the shaft. The inner joint is designed so that it not only transmits torque at different angles, but also allows for mutual axial movement of the joint housing and the suspension drive shaft during movement. The outer joint transmits torque from the drive shaft to the drive wheel hub, to which it is connected using a splined connection. The splined end of the outer joint housing is attached to the hub using a nut. The joints are protected from dirt and moisture by protective rubber covers secured with steel band clamps. The outer joint is a ball type, and the inner joint is a (depending on engine type, transmission and year of manufacture) can be either ball or three-pin type.