Types of Axles: Everything You Need to Know

An axle is a rod or shaft that rotates the wheels and supports the weight of your vehicle. Axles are essential components of any vehicle and come in three main types: front, rear, and stub.

An axle is a rod or shaft that rotates the wheels and supports the weight of your vehicle. Axles are essential components of any vehicle and come in three main types: front, rear, and stub. Let's break down the types of axle and look at how to choose the right axle ratio for your vehicle.

What Is an Axle?

A key component of your vehicle, the axles are central shafts that connect to the wheels. They typically turn with the wheels, according to Car From Japan. Since axles control the power that propels the wheels, every vehicle has to have axles in order to operate.

How Many Axles Does a Car Have?

The number of axles in a car depends on the type of vehicle, as Car From Japan states. In most cases, cars have two axles to rotate the wheels. Larger vehicles that carry more passengers and have more wheels may have more axles.

It's easy to identify the number of axles that your car or any other vehicle has. Just look at your car from the side, then count the pairs of tires. Most cars have four tires in total, or two sets of tires, with one in the front and one in the rear. Two sets of tires equal two axles.

Factors That Decide the Type of Axle in a Car

Several factors determine what type of axle a vehicle needs. For example, the technical requirements and the amount of force produced go a long way in deciding the axle type.

Some vehicles have pre-designed axles in standard formats. Others have customized axles that fit the needs and specifications of the car. Customized axles tend to work best for cars since they allow for more personalized control over the wheels. These axles can adjust the wheels ' speed and torque to a finer degree.

Rear Axle: This axle is responsible for delivering power to the driving wheels. It comes in two halves, known as half shafts, which are connected by the differential. In most cases, rear axles are live, meaning they rotate with the vehicle's wheels.

Front Axle: Located in the front of the vehicle, this axle is responsible for assisting with steering and processing shocks from the uneven surface of the road. They have four main parts, which are the beam, the swivel pin, the track rod, and the stub axle. Front axles must be as sturdy as possible, and that's why they're usually made from carbon steel or nickel steel.

Stub Axle: Stub axles are attached to the vehicle's front wheels, with kingpins connecting these axles to the front axle.

Wenling Assembly Equipment Co., Ltd. is an automobile assembly line manufacturing company. It not only has Axle Assembly Lines, but also engine assembly lines. If you are interested, please visit our official website.