Car Axles: What Are They and How Do They Work?

What is a car's axle?

People who don't know much about how cars work could have a general understanding of what an axle is. An axle is a rod or shaft that connects the wheels. It has two main jobs: to hold the weight of the vehicle and to send engine torque to the wheel.

Axles are an important part of the drivetrain system in most cars. They make sure the wheels turn correctly and stay in line with the car's motion. The design, drive type, and use of a vehicle determine what kind of axles it has.

There are two main types of axles in a car: "live" and "dead." Dead axles don't turn and just hold up the weight of the car. Live axles do turn and give power.
 

What does a car axle do?

Anyone who owns a car should know how the axles work since they affect how the automobile moves. Car axles work by moving mechanical power from the engine to the wheels. The engine makes torque when you push the gas pedal. This torque flows via the transmission to the driveshaft.

The torque then goes to the axle, which turns to move the wheels. The axle and the differential work together to let each wheel turn at a little different pace when the car is turning. Axles do more than just send torque from the engine to the wheels. They also hold up the whole weight of the car and absorb shocks from the road to keep it safe.
 

How Many Axles Does a Car Have?

The number of axles depends on the type and design of the vehicle. Most ordinary passenger automobiles have two axles, though. There is one axle in the front and one in the back. Both can hold four wheels. You can find out how many axles there are by counting the pairs of wheels. One pair of wheels equals one axle.
 

What are the Types of Car Axles?

There are several types of car axles, the following being the most common:

1. Front Axle

The front axle is located at the front of the car and is in charge of steering and taking shocks from rough roads. It links to the front wheels and works directly with the steering and suspension. It also sends engine power to the wheels in front-wheel-drive cars, which makes it a "live" axle. The front axles can be broken down into these two axles:

• Front Axle Live
• Dead Front Axle

2. Back or Rear Axle

The back or rear axle is located between the back wheels and gives power to both rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive cars. It usually has a differential in the middle that lets each rear wheel turn at a separate pace when the car is turning. There are different types of car rear axles, which can be broken down into the following:

• Axle for a Banjo
• Axle Split 

3. Stub Axle

This is a short axle that connects directly to the wheel on each side of the car. It is mostly utilised in cars with independent suspension systems. Stub axles don't go all the way across the car like full-length axles do. Instead, they let each wheel move and turn on its own, which makes the ride more comfortable and easier to handle. Here are the several types of stub axles:

• Elliot
• Reverse Elliot
• Lamoine
• Lamoine in reverse

 

What are the Different Components of a Car Axle?

While there are numerous car axle components, the following are the most common:

• Axle Shaft

An axle shaft is a solid, hollow rod that rotates and transfers torque from the differential to the wheels. It bears both the rotational force and the vehicle’s weight.   

• CV (Constant Velocity) Joints

They are flexible connectors found at both ends of the axle shaft. They allow the wheels to receive power even when turned or moving up and down.

• Differential

The differential is a gear system mounted at the centre of the axle that allows each wheel to spin at a different speed. It ensures a smooth handling and reduces tire wear.

• Bearings

Bearings are a crucial component that support the rotating axle shaft. It reduces the friction between moving and stationary parts, allowing for smoother wheel rotation and even load distribution. 

• Axle Housing

It’s a metal casing that encloses and protects the axle shaft, bearings, and differential from dirt, debris, and road damage. 

• Seals

Seals are installed around the axle ends and within the housing to keep lubricant in and prevent dirt or water from entering. It helps maintain the longevity and performance of other axle components.

• Flanges

Flanges refer to flat or angled metal discs that help connect the axle shaft to other drivetrain components. They’re essential because they provide support and alignment for secure fastening.

• Gaskets

Gaskets are sealing materials placed between joined surfaces to prevent oil leaks. They ensure proper sealing without restricting the movement or pressure inside the axle assembly. 
 

Conclusion

Car axles may be hidden beneath your vehicle, but their importance is undeniable. They’re central to how your car moves, turns, and handles the vehicle’s weight. From transmitting torque to holding the wheels in place, there’s a lot that axles do to ensure safe and efficient driving. Now that you’ve understood its role and relevance in this blog, ensure it’s insured under a relevant Car Insurance. 

It will cover you against financial challenges that may arise due to potential axle damage requiring instant repair. You can secure it by investing in Car Insurance provided by Shriram General Insurance. It provides greater coverage, faster claim settlement, reliable customer support, and many other benefits.     
 

FAQs

What is the main function of a car axle?

The main job of automotive axles is to move power from the engine to the wheels and hold up the weight of the car.
 

How can I know if my axle is broken?

Common indicators include clicking or clunking sounds when turning, grease leaking near the wheels, and strange vibrations while driving.
 

Does automobile insurance cover damage to the axle?

It all relies on the policy. Most comprehensive car insurance policies cover damage to the axles that happens in an accident or for some other reason. But some insurance companies might not cover it. 
 

What is the difference between an axle that is alive and one that is dead?

A live axle turns and sends power to the car's wheels, while a dead axle just holds the weight of the vehicle. 
 

What do you do if your axle breaks while you're driving?

If an axle breaks while you're driving, the wheel that it affects can lose power or perhaps come loose, which makes the automobile unsafe or impossible to drive.