What Is a Drive Axle?

Drive axle is an important part of your vehicle's suspension system. It has many different aspects. From the front to the rear, it transfers power from the engine to the wheels. It also has several components that have to be properly functioning.

Rear

A rear drive axle is a component of an automobile that transfers power and torque to the wheels. The axle may or may not support the weight of the vehicle.

An axle is usually made from harder materials that increase its strength. It must be able to withstand high amounts of stress while being driven. Typically, the axle is designed to handle thousands of pounds of weight. There are three main types of rear drive axles. Each one varies in its design and the amount of weight it can bear.

A full-floating rear drive axle is typically used in heavy-duty trucks. It absorbs stresses from turning and skidding.

Another type of rear drive axle is a three-quarter floating one. This configuration includes a pair of tapered roller bearings on the outer end of the axle housing. While the outer CV joint remains fixed, the inner CV joint is a tripod-type joint that acts like a slip joint in the drive shaft.

Front

Front drive axles are integral to the steering system in cars. They help to transfer power from the transmission to the wheels, while also transmitting shocks to the vehicle's suspension. If they become damaged, they can affect the car's operation.

A front drive axle is usually made from carbon steel. It is designed to last 80,000 to 100,000 miles. The typical front CV axle has a bearing mount with a circlip on the left side. This allows the inner CV joint to change the distance between the transaxle and the wheel hub.

Drive axle boots are used to protect the CV joints from friction. They also provide lubrication and prevent dirt from sticking to the CV joints. Boots fail over time, and should be replaced.

In some vehicles, the axle housing has several components that are welded into the body of the axle. These components may include spring mounting plates, replacement seals, or brake plates.

CV joints

The CV joint is the key to transferring torque from your transmission to the drive wheels. It is a cage that has a spherical inner and an input shaft that fits on the center of the sphere. Two steel blocks are inserted into the grooves and locked into place with a bolt.

A CV joint may fail for a variety of reasons. Damaged or loose boots, for example, can allow dirt and moisture to enter the joint. This leads to a buildup of contaminants that can wear the joint out faster.

Another reason a CV joint may fail is if the lubrication leaking out is not enough. In some applications, a sleeve can be added to repair the damaged surface. Alternatively, the joint can be replaced with a new one.

Split CV joint boots

CV joint boots are essential for driving. They keep dirt and water out of the CV joints and lubricate the joint. Having dirty CV joints will cause premature failure. This will lead to the replacement of the axle shaft.

CV boots are made of rubber. It is important to check the condition of the CV boots at regular intervals. If there are any cracks or tears, replace the boots as soon as possible.

The CV joint boots are a rubber boot that protects the joint. These boots are abrasion-resistant and will last for several years.

Split CV joint boots are easier to install than conventional CV boot designs. Gluing them together is simple. After cutting the boots open at the split, place the boot over the joint and apply a good adhesive. You can seal the seam with bolts, or use a quick set adhesive.

Full-floating axle

Full-floating drive axles are commonly used in heavy-duty and mid-size trucks. They also have a wide application in racing. The benefits of full-floating axles include a low cost of operation, high torque capacity, and a remarkably long lifetime.

The design of a full floating drive axle is largely determined by the type of axle spindle that is utilized. However, a significant improvement in the structure of the shaft can result in a significant increase in torque capacity without increasing the overall diameter of the shaft.

In a fully floating drive axle, the wheel hub and the bearings are separate from the axle shaft. This ensures that axle components are closely aligned. Moreover, the assembly can support a much greater load than a semi-floating axle assembly.

Full floating drive axles have a large weight carrying capacity, which allows it to be used in vehicles with heavy payloads. It can also be installed in mid-size trucks with large towing capacities.