Axles Used in Automobiles

 

Axle Beam(Rigid Axle Suspension System)

The axle beam is a type of suspension system in which one set of wheels is connected laterally by a single beam or shaft. The axle beams are commonly used at the rear wheels of a vehicle, but historically they have also been used as front axles in rear wheel drive vehicles. The axle beam are typically suspended either by leaf springs or coil springs. The advantages of the axle beam is that  it is simple and easy to manufacture. The disadvantage is that it does not allow each wheel to move independently in response to bumps, and the mass of the beam is a part of the unsprung weight of the vehicle, which can further reduce the ride quality.

 The following type of axles are used in automobiles:

1. Live Axle: The live axle contains a big housing for enclosing differential which transmits rotary motion to the wheels. These axles are also known as drive axles.These can be further classified into two categories:

a) Banjo Type:

This type of axle housing resembles with a banjo instrument as shown in figure. The axle housing is made of a enlarged center case portion for housing the differential . The backside of the axle is provided with a cover for carrying out necessary repairs to the differential .

b) Split Type:

 This type of axle is made up of two halves for putting the differential in or out. The two halves are assembled together as a one unit by nut and bolts.

2. Dead Axle:

The dead don't contain differential and they are simply beams which support the vehicle weight and act as an axis for the wheels . This axle has no relation with the power transmission system of the automobile and for this reason they are called as dead axles.