What Are Car Axles & How Do They Work

What are your primary concerns about safety while driving? Whether the tire is well-maintained, the fuel tank is full, the brakes are doing their job, and the headlights are working appropriately. These are some of the basic ones which every driver has.  

But there’s one more component that plays a vital role in the mechanics and functionality of a car, i.e., “car axles.” But nobody talks about them! 

So, have you ever heard about car axles, how they work, and what their role is inside the car? If not, this blog will help you understand the types, components, and workings of car axles. Let’s begin!!

What is a Car Axle?

A car axle connects the wheels to the drive shaft and allows them to rotate. 

It is the most crucial component of the car that supports the pair of wheels. Basically, when the engine applies force to the axle, it assists the vehicle by rotating the wheel and pushing the car forward. 

In other words, it is a rod that passes through the center of the wheel. Usually found in the RWD and 4WD types, it helps maintain stability and performance.  

Types of Car Axle

There are three types of car axles - 

1. Rear Axle 

As located between the differential, it is responsible for delivering power to the driving wheels and has two shafts. There are three types of rear axle- 

• Semi-floating- It connects the wheel to the flange and holds it safely. Semi-floating has two bearings; one supports the axle shaft, and the other one goes inside the casing. It is mainly available in cars, SUVs, and mid-size trucks. 
• Full-floating -  With its two bearings, this type of rear axle floats and maintains its position. In addition, it works for heavy vehicles like trucks. 
• Three-quarter- It is a more reliable type of axle than the previous ones and handles side thrust, maintaining wheel alignment. 

2.  Front Axle

The front axle carries the weight of the vehicle's front part and helps with steering. Its parts are - 

• Live - It delivers power from the gearbox to the front wheels.
• Dead - It handles the entire weight of the vehicle but does not move the wheels. 

3. Stub axle 

Stub axles carry the front wheels, and their types are - 

• Elliot - It uses a yoke, cotter, and kingpin to connect to the front axle. 
• Reverse Elliot - The arrangement of this type is exactly opposite to the standard Elliot type.
• Lamoine - Instead of a yoke-type hinge, it uses a  L-shaped spindle. 
• Reverse Lamoine - The layout of the reverse Lamoine is opposite to the standard Lamoine type. 

Components of Car Axle

Here are some components that play an essential role in maintaining the functioning of a car. 

• Drive pinion gear
• Drive pinion shaft
• Ring gear
• Spider gear
• Spider gear shaft
• Differential carrier
• Axle shaft bearing
• Side gear
• Adjuster nut
• Bearing cap
• Axle shaft housing
• Axle shaft oil tube
• Universal joint flange
• Gasket

Functions Of Car Axles

The functions of the car axle are as follows - 

1. Left & Right Wheel Axle Rotation Difference

This function differentiates the rotational motion of the axis to make the turning radius of the car a bit shorter. 

2. Rotary Power Successor

It works as a successor to the rotary power of the engine to drive the shaft. It transmits the engine’s rotary power to the tires so that speed can be controllable when taking the car forward, backward, or while making the turn. 

3. Change The Direction of Rotation

The axle functions to change the direction of rotation by 90 degrees. To rotate the drive shaft,  the rotational power, which was earlier straight, will now be changed to 90 degrees. 

4. Increase Rotary Power

The power coming straight from the engine will get transferred to the drive wheels to make the rotary power higher. 

Benefits Of Car Axles 

The advantages of using axles in the car are - 

• Increased Durability

Axles help distribute the load equally, which increases durability and decreases the chance of repair and replacement. 

• Ease of Maintenance

As axles are easy to maintain, it helps in maximizing productivity. Without removing the axle, you can easily do the maintenance, like routine lubrication or bearing replacement. 

• Enhanced Safety

The axles help maintain stability and handling, which is crucial to avoiding accidents. 

• Improved Fuel Efficiency

When the car is in difficult situations like mud or snow, the axle’s built-in features, like differential locks and limited slip differentials, help reduce slippage and fuel consumption. 

• Improved Stability and Handling 

With that being said above, car axles help improve stability and handling by distributing the weight equally between all the wheels. It is especially helpful in heavy-weight vehicles where uneven weight distribution causes instability. 

How Axles Work?

The car's axle working depends on the following factors- 

• When the Car Turns

When the car turns, the inside wheel faces a rotating resistance from the front wheels while changing direction, which in turn makes the left wheel side gear heavier, and due to the weight difference, the pinion gear rotates. As a result, the right side gear turns faster and makes the rotation of the wheels in two different directions.   

• When the Car Goes Straight

As the car moves straight, the torque goes into the pinion drive gear. Now, it gets connected to the ring gear, which has more teeth. As compared to the Pinion gear’s RPM, the car axle lowers the RPM of the ring gear to forward the rotation to the differential case. 

Now, the power flow of the differential case will reach the pinion shaft and then return back to the pinion gear and side gear. As the steering wheel is straight, the load on both sides remains exact. 

• When the Car Wheels Get Into Mud 

When the wheels get stuck in the mud, the rotational speed gets lower. So, to keep this component in a well-maintained condition, check if the lubricant is in the appropriate condition and that it can regulate the movement of the rotating shaft. So, keep inspecting the condition of the oil. 

Axle Maintenance and Care

• Regular Lubrication 

Applying lubricants on a regular basis is crucial to maintain the car’s smooth rotation. Regular lubricating reduces wear and tear and stops the heat build-up. In addition, it will help improve the overall performance and increase the durability of the car axle. 

• Monitor Wheel Alignment 

The alignment depends entirely on the axle’s health. Improper alignment of wheels may lead to the disbalance of the car, resulting in impaired performance. So as to increase the lifespan of the car and improve its balance, regular checking is essential. 

• Timely Replacements 

After constant use, various components of the axle may require replacement. So, to ensure the smooth functioning of the car, timely inspection of damaged parts is essential, or ignoring them may lead to extra expenses. 

• Inspection of Damages And Leaks 

Perform regular checks for damages and leaks to maintain the overall performance of the vehicle. Timely detection is vital to ensure vehicle safety. 

• Drive Defensively 

The way you drive a car affects the condition of the axle. Harsh accelerations and aggressive turns can put unwanted stress, which may lead to instability and damage. Try smooth and appropriate driving to maintain the car axle in the long run. 

Conclusion

To conclude, the car axle is a vital component of the vehicle’s alignment and safety that requires appropriate maintenance and care. By practicing proper driving habits, you can ensure the car’s axle is doing well without any cracks and damage. 

But still, if the axle gets damaged, you can ensure its protection with Comprehensive Car Insurance from InsuranceDekho. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

• How can one identify if the axle is in bad condition? 

Some of the signs to identify if the axle is in bad condition are Vibrating noise on the ignition, Loud clunk sound when you put your car into gear, The vehicle is not moving forward or backward, even though it's running. In such conditions quick replacement or repair of the car axle is required. 

• How frequently does the car axle require lubrication? 

Depending on the axle type and car model, the requirement for lubricant may differ. Some axles require regular lubrication, whereas some are maintenance-free. So, you can check the car manual for specific maintenance recommendations. 

• How can one maintain the axle for a more extended period? 

For stability, ensure regular inspection for oil leaks, cracks, or damages. Seek professional help in case you have any problems while driving. Avoid abrupt stops to reduce the stress on the axle. Moreover, Ensure the alignment is proper to maintain the stability of the car. 

• What are the benefits of a car axle? 

Car Axles increase the durability of a vehicle by distributing the weight evenly. Maintenance is relatively easy because it comes with built-in grease fittings. The axle protects stability and handling, which ensures the safety of the vehicle and passengers. 

• What are the types of car axles? 

There are three types of car axles i.e. Rear axle, Front axle, Stub axle.