Deck 40: Drive Axles and Differentials

Question 1

Equal-length shafts are used in some vehicles to help reduce torque steer.

Answer 1

True

Question 2

In FWD applications, the outboard joint is a plunge joint.

Answer 2

False

Question 3

A three-quarter floating axle is the most common type in use today.

Answer 3

False

Question 4

Both CV joints on a half shaft used in an RWD vehicle with independent rear suspension may be of the plunging style.

Question 5

With electronic torque vectoring, during cornering, torque is sent to the outer rear wheel to reduce understeer.

Question 6

In a hypoid gearset, the drive pinion meshes with the ring gear at gear centerline.

Question 7

The final drive gears in the drive axle assembly are sized to provide a gear speed increase and torque reduction.

Question 8

CV joints are typically used in front-wheel drive vehicles.

Question 9

U-joints rotate at a constant velocity and are vibration free.

Question 10

Some FWD half-shaft axles are equipped with vibration damper weights.

Question 11

In a differential gearset, the side gears deliver torque to the pinion gears.

Question 12

Constant velocity joints are used to transfer uniform torque at a constant speed, while operating through a wide range of angles.

Question 13

Plunge-type CV joints allow the length of the axle assembly to change as the wheel travels up and down.

Question 14

Outer CV joint operating angles can be as high as 40 degrees.

Question 15

The double-offset joint is used in applications that require higher operating angles and greater plunge depth.

Question 16

Brake-based and electromechanical torque vectoring systems are available in some vehicles.

Question 17

In a two-piece driveshaft, when the yokes are in the same plane, the joints are said to be in phase.

Question 18

Fixed-style CV joints are typically located nearest the transaxle.

Question 19

The torsional damper that is sometimes attached to an axle shaft serves to balance the shaft.

Question 20

Both CV joints on a half shaft used in an RWD vehicle with independent rear suspension may be of the fixed style.

Question 21

When the yokes are in the same plane, the joints are said to be ______.

A)in phase
B)out of phase
C)balanced
D)inclined

Question 22

Which type of CV joint has a flat design?

A)double-offset
B)disc
C)cross-groove
D)fixed tripod

Question 23

The double-offset joint is typically used in applications that require ______.

A)higher operating angles and greater plunge depth
B)higher operating angles and lower plunge depth
C)lower operating angles and greater plunge depth
D)lower operating angles and lower plunge depth

Question 24

Ring and pinion gearset contact patterns are being discussed. Technician A says a gear tooth pattern can identify a backlash problem. Technician B says a gear tooth pattern can identify a problem with the pinion depth. Who is correct?

A)A only
B)B only
C)both A and B
D)neither A nor B

Question 25

Technician A says side bearing preload limits the amount of lateral movement to the differential case in the axle housing. Technician B says adjusting backlash sets the pinion gear depth. Who is correct?

A)A only
B)B only
C)both A and B
D)neither A nor B

Question 26

Front-engine RWD luxury-type vehicles often use a double U-joint arrangement called a ______.

A)spicer style U-joint
B)double Cardan-type joint
C)Cleveland style U-joint
D)None of the answers is correct.

Question 27

Which of the following describes the double Cardan universal joint?

A)It is often installed in front-engine, rear-wheel drive luxury automobiles
B)It is classified as a constant velocity U-joint
C)A centering ball socket is inside the coupling yoke between the two universal joints
D)All the answers are correct.

Question 28

Which type of bearing is NOT used on semifloating axles?

A)needle bearing
B)ball bearing
C)straight roller bearing
D)tapered roller bearing.

Question 29

Which manufacturer does not currently offer electronically controlled rear differentials?

A)Ford
B)Honda
C)Porsche
D)BMW

Question 30

Which CV joint test should be performed to determine whether the CV joint boot needs to be serviced?

A)squeeze test
B)chassis test
C)balance test
D)spin test

Question 31

Technician A says a double-offset plunging-style CV joint uses a cylindrical outer housing with straight grooves. Technician B says a double-offset plunging-style CV joint is a compact design. Who is correct?

A)A only
B)B only
C)both A and B
D)neither A nor B

Question 32

Technician A says FWD axle shafts can be solid or tubular. Technician B says FWD axle shafts can be equal or unequal in length. Who is correct?

A)A only
B)B only
C)both A and B
D)neither A nor B

Question 33

Technician A says limited slip differential clutch packs are designed to slip slightly when the vehicle is turning. Technician B says pressure is kept on the clutch packs by either an S-shaped spring or coil springs. Who is correct?

A)A only
B)B only
C)both A and B
D)neither A nor B

Question 34

Limited-slip axles require a special friction modifier fluid, added to the gear oil.

Question 35

Technician A says a fixed-style CV joint may be called a Rzeppa joint. Technician B says a plunging-style CV joint may be called a Rzeppa joint. Who is correct?

A)A only
B)B only
C)both A and B
D)neither A nor B

Question 36

CV joints provide ______.

A)uniform torque transfer
B)constant speed
C)operation through a wide range of angles
D)All the answers are correct.

Question 37

The differential pinion gears do not rotate on the pinion shaft when both driving wheels are turning at the same speed.

Question 38

The CV joints nearest the transaxle are called the ______ joints.

A)inner
B)inboard
C)outboard
D)Both A and B

Question 39

Technician A says a hunting gearset is one in which one drive pinion gear tooth contacts only certain ring gear teeth. Technician B says a partial nonhunting gearset is one in which one pinion tooth contacts only six ring gear teeth. Who is correct?

A)A only
B)B only
C)both A and B
D)neither A nor B

Question 40

Which type of drive axle supports the weight of the vehicle?

A)semifloating
B)three-quarter floating
C)full-floating
D)both A and B

Question 41

CV joints are lubricated with ______.

A)GL1 chassis grease
B)silicone polymer-based grease
C)white lithium grease
D)high-temperature, high-pressure grease

Question 42

Before servicing the rear U-joint, slip joint, or center bearing on a two-piece drive shaft, ______.

A)make index marks on both ends of the driveshaft
B)measure the pinion shaft angle
C)measure the distance between the center bearing and the slip joint
D)All the answers are correct.

Question 43

Technician A says when the left-side axle shaft on an FWD vehicle is longer than the right side, torque steer is reduced. Technician B says the torsional damper on the axle shaft automatically balances the shaft. Who is correct?

A)A only
B)B only
C)both A and B
D)neither A nor B

Question 44

Which type of joint is NOT a constant velocity type joint?

A)U-joint
B)Rzeppa joint
C)tripod joint
D)double Cardan

Question 45

If a noise is heard while driving straight but ceases on turns, what is the most likely cause?

A)a bad wheel bearing
B)a worn inner CV joint
C)a worn outer CV joint
D)a bad intermediate shaft bearing

Question 46

A car has a cyclic vibration that comes and goes between 45 and 60 mph (72 to 97 kph). Technician A says the problem may be caused by an out-of-balance tire and wheel. Technician B says the Rzeppa CV joint may be bad. Who is correct?

A)A only
B)B only
C)both A and B
D)neither A nor B

Question 47

Technician A says the outer CV joints of FWD axle shafts are less likely to need replacement than the inner joints. Technician B says a worn cage or race can cause a clicking sound during a turn. Who is correct?

A)A only
B)B only
C)both A and B
D)neither A nor B

Question 48

If a drive axle shows signs of rubbing against the chassis, the vehicle should be checked for ______.

A)weak or broken springs
B)worn or broken engine or transmission mounts
C)chassis misalignment
D)All the answers are correct.

Question 49

A FWD vehicle that makes a clunking noise when the automatic transmission is shifted into gear is being diagnosed. Technician A says the problem could be excessive play in an inner or outer CV joint. Technician B says the noise could be produced by excessive backlash in the differential gears and transmission. Who is correct?

A)A only
B)B only
C)both A and B
D)neither A nor B

Question 50

Technician A says axles with a numerically high gear ratio (such as 4.11)allow the engine to run slower at any given speed, resulting in better fuel conservation. Technician B says axles with a numerically low gear ratio (such as 2.83)allow for fast acceleration and good pulling power. Who is correct?

A)A only
B)B only
C)both A and B
D)neither A nor B

Question 51

Technician A says the outboard CV joint allows torque to be transmitted through a working angle of up to 20 degrees as the suspension moves up and down. Technician B says the CV joint transmits torque to the front wheels at an angle of up to 40 degrees as the vehicle is steered right and left. Who is correct?

A)A only
B)B only
C)both A and B
D)neither A nor B

Question 52

Technician A uses an impact wrench to tighten axle hub nuts. Technician B stakes the axle hub nuts after they are tightened to lock them in place. Who is correct?

A)A only
B)B only
C)both A and B
D)neither A nor B

Question 53

A shudder or vibration that occurs only when accelerating is most likely caused by ______.

A)out-of-balance axle shaft
B)excessive play in the inboard plunge joint
C)both A and B
D)neither A nor B

Question 54

Axle shafts with CV joints at each end are found on the ______.

A)front wheels of FWD cars
B)rear wheels of RWD cars with independent rear suspension
C)front wheels of 4WD SUVs with independent front suspension
D)All the answers are correct.

Question 55

Driveshaft speed variation is being discussed. Technician A says the speed variations at the transmission yoke end of the driveshaft are canceled out by the speed variations at the pinion flange end. Technician B says the operating angles at each end must be equal for the speed variations to cancel each other out. Who is correct?

A)A only
B)B only
C)both A and B
D)neither A nor B

Question 56

Driveshafts are made of ______.

A)seamless steel tubing
B)reinforced fiberglass
C)aluminum
D)All the answers are correct.

Question 57

Technician A says the differential allows torque to be transmitted to the driving axles at different speeds when the vehicle is turning a corner. Technician B says the gear ratio of the drive axle's ring and pinion gears provide a gear reduction and torque multiplication. Who is correct ?

A)A only
B)B only
C)both A and B
D)neither A nor B

Question 58

Fixed-tripod-type CV joints are being discussed. Technician A says the fixed tripod joint cannot be removed from the drive shaft or disassembled because of the way it is manufactured. Technician B says the fixed tripod joint has less angular capability than a Rzeppa-type joint. Who is correct?

A)A only
B)B only
C)both A and B
D)neither A nor B

Question 59

A humming or growling noise in the front of the vehicle that changes with road speed could be caused by ______.

A)inadequate lubrication of the inner CV joint
B)worn or damaged wheel bearings
C)a bad intermediate shaft bearing (equal length axle shaft system)
D)All the answers are correct.

Question 60

A tripod-style CV joint is being discussed. Technician A says the outer housing is sometimes called a tulip. Technician B says the inner tripod is often called a spider. Who is correct?

A)A only
B)B only
C)both A and B
D)neither A nor B

Question 61

Which of the following is NOT a function of the final drive in a rear axle?

A)changes the direction of power flow 90 degrees
B)transfers braking torque to the front wheels
C)allows the drive wheels to rotate at different speeds when negotiating a turn
D)reduces speed/multiplies torque

Question 62

A(n)____________________ floating axle has one wheel bearing per wheel on the outside of the axle housing.

Question 63

A removable-carrier axle housing is sometimes called a ____________________-type differential.

Question 64

The bearing cups of a conventional U-joint are retained by ______.

A)a snap ring that fits into a groove machined in the outer end of the yoke
B)an external snap ring that fits into a groove machined in the bearing cup on the end closest to the grease seal
C)nylon injected into machined grooves in the yoke and cup
D)All the answers are correct.

Question 65

A collapsible pinion spacer is used to set the ______.

A)pinion depth
B)pinion bearing preload
C)housing (carrier)bearing preload
D)backlash

Question 66

C-shaped washers (C-locks)are used to retain the axle shaft used with _____ bearings.

A)sealed ball
B)tapered roller
C)straight roller
D)All the answers are correct.

Question 67

In RWD applications with IRS, the inboard and outboard CV joint is a(n)_________ type.

Question 68

The axles in a(n)____________________ axle housing drive the wheel assemblies but do not support the weight of the vehicle.

Question 69

A popping or clicking noise when turning indicates a possible worn ______ CV joint.

Question 70

Some ring gear assemblies have a(n)____________ ring, that is normally pressed onto the ring gear hub and can be removed after the ring gear is removed.

Question 71

A(n)____________________ is a flexible coupling located at each end of the drive shaft between the slip yoke and the pinion flange on the drive axle assembly.

Question 72

Technician A uses an oxyacetylene torch to remove the axle bearing retaining ring. Technician B uses a steel cold chisel and hammer. Who is correct?

A)A only
B)B only
C)both A and B
D)neither A nor B

Question 73

A _____-type limited slip differential uses a set of helical gears to transfer torque from the wheel that is slipping to the wheel with traction.

A)Spicer
B)Torsen
C)Ravigneaux
D)DeDion

Question 74

Differential gearsets are being discussed. Technician A says the inside bore of the side gears is splined and mates with splines on the ends of the axles. Technician B says the differential pinion gears and side gears are in constant mesh. Who is correct?

A)A only
B)B only
C)both A and B
D)neither A nor B

Question 75

Full floating axle shafts are found on ______.

A)front axles of an FWD car
B)rear axle of an RWD car
C)front axle of a 4WD SUV
D)rear axle of a heavy duty truck

Question 76

A vehicle with a leaking extension housing seal is being diagnosed. Technician A says check for nicks and burrs on the driveshaft yoke. Technician B says a worn extension housing bushing could have caused the seal to fail. Who is correct?

A)A only
B)B only
C)both A and B
D)neither A nor B

Question 77

When the vehicle is turning left, ______.

A)the left-side gear and axle shaft are turning slower than the housing (carrier)
B)the right-side gear and axle shaft are turning faster than the housing (carrier)
C)the differential pinion gears rotate on the pinion shaft
D)All the answers are correct.

Question 78

A ____________ axle does not drive a vehicle. It merely supports the vehicle load and provides a mounting place for the wheels.

Question 79

Pinion gear depth is adjusted by ______.

A)threaded adjusters behind the housing bearing outer cups
B)shims placed between the differential housing (carrier)and housing bearings
C)threaded adjusters between the companion flange and front pinion bearing
D)shims placed between the pinion bearing and pinion gear

Question 80

A ring and pinion gearset that has ten teeth on the pinion gear and thirty teeth on the ring gear is a ______.

A)hunting gearset
B)partial-hunting gearset
C)nonhunting gearset
D)None of the answers is correct.