Car axles are shafts that connect two wheels horizontally, rotate them and also support the weight of the vehicle. The drivetrain in a car commonly includes the transmission, driveshafts, and axles to transmit power to the wheels.
Here’s all about the types of car axles, symptoms of a bad axle and how you choose the right one.
TYPES OF CAR AXLES
The car axles control the power transmitted to propel the wheels. Without these axles, the power won’t reach the wheels and the vehicle won’t move. Usually a car has two axles. However, it depends upon the pair of wheels and type of vehicle, for instance, heavy load trailers have more pairs of wheels and hence, require more axles.
There are three types of car axles:
- Front axle
- Rear axle
- Stub axle
FRONT AXLE
The front axle assists not only in transmitting engine torque and power to the wheels but also helps in steering the vehicle. Moreover, it absorbs the shocks and holds the car load efficiently.
The front axle is made up of carbon or nickel steel and consists of following components:
- Beam
- Swivel beam
- Track rod
- Stub axle
The front axles are further classified into the following types:
- Dead Front Axle: It has housings to prevent dust, dirt or water to come in contact with the differential and the car axle.
- Live Front Axle: It transmits the driving power from gear to the wheels.
REAR AXLE
The rear car axle has two halves known as half shafts. The half shafts are connected with the differential system to transmit power to the driving wheels. The inner end of the half shaft is connected to the sun gear of the differential and the other end to the driving wheels. In modern vehicles, the rear axles rotate with the wheels.
The following are the categories of rear axles:
- Semi Floating Axle: It is used in SUVs or pickup trucks.
- Full Floating Axle: Four-wheel drive (4WD) or mid-size trucks that tow heavy loads use full-floating axles.
- Three Quarter Floating Axle: Large trucks use this type of rear car axle as it helps to maintain wheel alignment, side thrust and the torque transmitted to the wheels.
STUB AXLE
It is one of the important components of the front axle and connected to the front wheels with the help of kingpins. The stub axle has following types:
- Elliot
- Reverse Elliot
- Lamoine
- Reverse Lamoine
HOW TO CHOOSE RIGHT TYPE OF CAR AXLE?
When it comes to choosing the car axle, you will need to check the axle ratio designated to the transmission system, engine torque and power, gear ratios and drivetrain type. Here’s an example to understand the axle ratio. If the ratio is 2.5:1, it means that the axle will rotate 2.5 times when the wheel completes one turn.
Therefore, it is recommended to have a look at your car’s user manual in case you are thinking of replacing the car axle. You can buy car axles from the used car accessories for sale in the UAE if you are looking to make replacement for a faulty axle in your vehicle and always keep the following tips in mind when choosing the axle ratio:
- The axle ratio affects the fuel economy. The more the axle ratio, the more fuel it will consume. However, for towing heavy loads, one requires a higher car axle ratio.
- The axle ratio may affect the performance of the vehicle. It is always recommended to choose the standard axle ratio from the same auto manufacturers.
SYMPTOMS OF FAULTY AXLE
An axle is an important part of the vehicle. Therefore, it is essential to maintain it well.. Following are some of the common symptoms of a faulty car axle requiring repair:
- When you change gears or put your car from neutral to drive, you hear a clunk sound.
- The car may constantly vibrate when you are driving or apply brakes to bring it to a rest position.
- Vehicle may face extra resistance to move forward or backward as the car axle might not transmit sufficient power to the wheels due to the damage in it.
If you come across any of the mentioned symptoms of faulty axles, visit an auto service centre to find the solution to it. This was all about the car axles, a necessary part of the drivetrain. If you buy a used car in the UAE, make sure it has an owner’s manual in order to replace the existing parts with the correct ones, whenever the need arises.
Stay tuned to the UAE’s top auto blog for more guides on automotive parts, accessories and repairs.
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