The history of axles is about 5,500 years old, but it is still unknown who invented the axle.
Axles provide support to the structure of the car, help the wheels to rotate and are employed in steering as well as suspensions. Though they may seem simple, axles are essential for connecting the wheels and stabilizing the vehicle. But exactly what is an axle on a car? Let’s discuss that in detail:
What is a car axle?
An axle is a bar or rod on which two wheels are fixed and rotate around it to transmit power from the engines to the wheels in order to provide the movement. When the engine applies force on the axle, the latter spins and, therefore, rotates the wheels to enable movement of a car forward.
How many axles on a car?
The number of axles in a car largely depends on the type of automobile and its dimensions. The machines most frequently have two axles, which cause the wheel to rotate. Some vehicles may have even more such as buses since they possess more axles than small cars. As for the number of axles, it is necessary to count the pairs of tires of a given vehicle. For most automobile vehicles, four wheels are grouped in pairs with each constituting an axle.
What does an axle do on a car?
Axles consist of drive shafts and support members that transmit rotational power and torque from the drivetrain and transmission to wheels, which in turn propel the car forward. The torque distribution follows the drive type distribution, which maybe front wheel drive, rear wheel drive or the all wheel drive. In rear-wheel drive, the rear axle turns the rear wheels and in front-wheel drive the front axle drives the front wheels. All-wheel-drive vehicles refer to automobiles that provide power to the four wheels since they supply torque each the axles to provide better tractions.
Almost every axle has a differential, which enables wheels on the opposite side to rotate at different speeds so as to prevent slippage and to increase stability during a turn.
Functions of Car Axles
- Transmit Engine Torque: Axles are components that connect the engine with wheels: in other words, they allow a car to move.
- Allow Wheel Speed Differences: Axles, with the help of the differential, enable wheels to rotate at different speeds during turns, enhancing stability and grip.
- Bear Vehicle Weight: Axles support the car’s body, chassis, passengers, and cargo, withstanding significant static and dynamic loads.
- Absorb Driveline Stresses: Axles handle torque stresses from acceleration and braking, with support bearings ensuring smooth operation.
- House Bearings and Seals: Axles have bearings and seals to keep out dirt and water, ensuring smooth operation and longevity.
- Provide Brake and Wheel Mounts: Axles also provide satisfactory points of connection for the wheel hubs and brakes.
Types of Car Axles
How many axles on a car we find? Mainly just two.
- Dead Axle: Provides support to weight but does not revolve along with the wheels as the axles do.
- Live Axle: Connected to the wheels and propels them, often with a constant velocity (CV) joint.
Axles are classified even further into front, rear or stub axles the functioning of which depends on their position and construction.
What is an Axle on a Car – Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the working of a differential?
It enables wheels to rotate with different speeds necessary for the stabilization during the turning of a corner.
- Why can one not spin both wheels at the same speed?
If cars lacked a differential, the tires would slip and slide during turns due to the difference in distance traveled by the inner and outer wheels.
- What would cause an axle to fail?
Some common causes include ordinary wear and tear, sharp potholes on the roads, bad bearings, or excessive load that may cause stress on the axles.