Steering axle

摘要

A steering axle comprises a steering shaft connected to a wheelhub either directly or through a planetary gear set, and to a shaft joint. The shaft joint includes an external component which is connected to a driven shaft. A boot is affixed to the steering shaft and the external component and collectively with the external component encloses the shaft joint. There is a housing about the shaft joint and affixed to the shafts such that when the shafts are located transversely relative to each other the boot and joint can be laterally removed. A plug in the wheelhub axially locates the steering shaft, and permits withdrawal of the steering shaft.