Drive is transmitted from the transaxle to the wheels by the two axle shafts; the inner end of each axle shaft is splined to mesh with the side gears of the differential. The axle shafts can be withdrawn to renew the oil seals, outer ends have splined to the front hubs and retained by a large nut. Each axle shaft assembly consists of an inner and outer constant velocity (CV) joint linked by an axle shaft; both inner ends are conventionally equipped with a tripot joint on all models to provide for angular as well as axial motion. Inner CV joints allow relative motion in relation to the axle shaft and with the wheel, for example, during restoration movements; if the boot fails, the joints can be disassembled and cleaned; however, any damage to the corresponding regions requires a completely new axle shaft assembly. The outer CV joint like a ball-and-socket design is capable of only angling movement without axial movement: the CV joint can be exposed and then be cleaned and re-packed if the outer boot has been split, though, if these parts are damaged, the whole axle shaft assembly will have to be changed. Regular checks should be made to ascertain if boots have been damaged or are leaking lubricant; this is because, if a CV joint boot is torn, the joint will have to be replaced expeditiously. Changing of boots entails the detachment of the axle shaft but shoppers may access 'split' types of boots which can be interchanged without dismantling. This is an easy option, but it is advised to take out the axle shaft as well as the CV joint in order to be able to check for contaminants that might have infiltrated the joint assembly, which will hasten wear. Signs that indicate your CV joints are worn or damaged are greasy stains on the outside of the boots, clinking sounds during turns and thumping sounds when accelerating after coasting, and feeling or hearing vibrations at highway speed. To inspect the wear in the CV joints and axle shafts grasp each axle individually and rotate the CV joint housings while observing and feeling for play between the splines or sloppy CV joints and while inspecting the axle shafts for crack or dent or distortion.