Types of Rear Axle

Types of rear axle Rear axle transmits power from differential to the wheels so that vehicle may move. Rear axle is not a single piece but it is in two parts which are connected by the differential. Each  part of rear axle is called the half shaft. Outer end of the rear axle carries the wheel while inner end is connected to sun gear of the differential. In vehicles which employ rear wheel drive, rear wheels are driving wheels. However, in front wheel drive vehicles, front wheels are driving wheels. Rear axles and differential are completely enclosed in a housing to protect them from dust, dirt, water and any possible damage. Functions of Rear Axle (a !o transmit power from differential to the wheels. !his is main function. f unction. (b !o carry weight of automobile. Rear axles differ on the basis of method of supporting them and mounting of rear wheels. On this basis, these axles can be classified into three types" (a Half floating axle# $emi floating axle (b !hree%&uarter floating axle (c 'ully floating rear axle Half Floating Axle In a half floating rear axle, the axle is at the centre of the axle casing and the bearings are inside the axle casing. !he weight of vehicle is transmitted first to suspension spring, then to axle casing, then to axle and finally to ground.

Three-quarter Floating Axle In three%&uarter floating rear axle, bearings are on the outer side of axle casing, i.e. between casing and wheel. In this case, maor part of vehicle weight is ta)en by axle casing and not by axle. !his is the main advantage of three%&uarter floating type over half floating type. !hus, axle brea)down is less in this case compared to the previous type.

Fully Floating Rear Axle In fully floating rear axle, the bearings are provided between axle casing and the wheel. In this case, all the vehicle weight is transmitted to ground through axle case and wheel. !he axle is not supported by bearings but it is supported at both ends. !his type of axle is very strong and therefore, it is used for heavy duty vehicles. In the event of brea)down of axle, wheel cannot come out. !his, it is safer but costly.

Types of Frot axle !here is two types of front axles" (a *ead front axle, and (b +ine front axle. Dead Front Axle *ead axles are those axles, which donet rotate. !hese axles have sufficient rigidity and strength to ta)e the weight. !he ends of front axle are suitably designed to accommodate stub axles. Line Front Axle

Line axles are used to transmit power from gear box to front wheels. Line front axles although, front wheels. Line front axles although resemble rear axles but they are dierent at the ends where wheels are mounted. Maruti-800 has line front axle.

STUB AL! $tub axles are connected to the front axle by )ing pins. 'ront wheels are mounted on stub axles arrangement for steering is connected to stub axles. $tub axle turns on )ind pins. -ingpins is fitted in the front axle beam eye and is located and loc)ed there by a taper cotter pin. $tub axles are of four types" (a !lliot " I this type Elliot stub axle is attached to the front axle by placing it in the yo)e end with the )ing pin and cotter pin to oin two together. (b Reversed elliot " It is the reverse of the Elli ot type, widely used in current auto mobiles used in truc)s (c La"oine " in this type stub axle instead of yo)e type hinge a +% shaped spindleis used as shown. (d Re#ersed la"oine " It is the reverse position of lemoine but not used in modern automobiles. /ll are differ from each other in the manner in which they are connected to the front axle.