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) To transmit power from differential to the wheels. This is main function.
(b) To 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/ Semi floating axle
(b) Three-quarter floating axle
(c) Fully 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. The 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-quarter floating rear axle, bearings are on the outer side of axle casing, i.e. between
casing and wheel. In this case, major part of vehicle weight is taken by axle casing and not by
axle. This is the main advantage of three-quarter floating type over half floating type. Thus,
axle breakdown 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. The
axle is not supported by bearings but it is supported at both ends. This type of axle is very
strong and therefore, it is used for heavy duty vehicles. In the event of breakdown of axle,
wheel cannot come out. This, it is safer but costly.

Types of Frot axle

There is two types of front axles:
(a) Dead front axle, and
(b) Line front axle.
Dead Front Axle
Dead axles are those axles, which donet rotate. These axles have sufficient rigidity and strength to
take the weight. The 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 different at the ends where wheels are mounted. Maruti-800 has line
front axle.

STUB AXLE
Stub axles are connected to the front axle by king pins. Front wheels are mounted on stub axles
arrangement for steering is connected to stub axles. Stub axle turns on kind pins. Kingpins is fitted in
the front axle beam eye and is located and locked there by a taper cotter pin. Stub axles are of four
types:
(a) Elliot : IN this type Elliot stub axle is attached to the front axle by placing it in the yoke end with
the king pin and cotter pin to join two together.
(b) Reversed elliot : It is the reverse of the Elliot type, widely used in current auto mobiles used in
trucks
(c) Lamoine : in this type stub axle instead of yoke type hinge a L- shaped spindleis used as shown.
(d) Reversed lamoine : It is the reverse position of lemoine but not used in modern automobiles.
All are differ from each other in the manner in which they are connected to the front axle.