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What is a Half Shaft?

Model: (Various brands) Various
Part: Axle shaft

In a vehicle, the half shaft is essentially a shaft that transmits motion from the differential or the gearbox to the hub of each wheel. If the car has front-wheel drive, to allow the driving wheels to steer, the half shaft is equipped with constant velocity joints: these are disconnectable devices that transmit rotational motion between two shafts while maintaining a constant transmission ratio over time, independent of the angle of rotation of the shaft. Typically, the failure of a half shaft is related to the breaking of the cross joints of the constant velocity joint.

Updated on 21 February 2026 by ScegliAuto

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