intermediate shaft: 1 - elastic coupling; 2 – a bolt of fastening of an elastic coupling; 3 – flexible coupling flange; 4 - protective cover; 5 - casing; 6 - separator; 7 - ball; 8 - stud for fastening the hinge housing to the transfer case flange; 9 – hinge body; 10 - plug; 11 - retaining ring; 12 - hinge holder; 13 - clamps; 14 - balancing washer; 15 - centering sleeve.
The intermediate shaft transmits torque from the output shaft of the gearbox to the drive shaft of the transfer case. It consists of an elastic coupling, a flange and a constant velocity joint. The intermediate shaft is centered on the secondary shaft of the gearbox with a rubber bushing.
The flexible coupling consists of six steel inserts connected by rubber bridges. Due to its elasticity, the clutch dampens jerks in the vehicle's transmission. The elastic coupling is attached to the output shaft flange with three bolts passed through the holes in the liners. Three other holes are used to fasten the coupling to the flange on the intermediate shaft. There are balancing washers under the nuts of the bolts. When disassembling, we note their location, so that later they can be installed in their original places. In order not to disturb the balance, we note the relative position of other parts of the intermediate shaft.
A constant velocity joint is put on the splined end of the flexible coupling flange. Its device is similar to the outer hinge of the front wheel drive (see Front wheel drives). From displacement, the hinge is fixed with a retaining ring located in a groove on the flange shaft. The hinge is protected from dirt ingress by a rubber corrugated cover and a plastic plug in the rear end of the hinge body. The cover is fixed on the flange shaft and the hinge body with special clamps with locks. Under a big collar (on the hinge body) there is a protective plastic cover.