Description: An axle is a load-bearing assembly that connects two wheels together on opposite sides.
There are several types of axles used on cars and light trucks. The most common is the transaxle, which
encases an automatic or manual transmission and a differential. Another popular type of axle is the drive
axle, sometimes referred to as a live axle, which contains the differential. The least popular type of axle,
which is fading quickly from use, is the non-driving straight axle. This axle is basically a straight beam that
connects the wheels together, but has no differential. The straight axle was once used commonly at the rear
of front-wheel-drive vehicles and on the front of rear-wheel-drive pick-ups. With the growing popularity of
independent suspension systems, the straight axle is rapidly becoming obsolete.
Purpose: Since axles vary in complexity, so do their purposes. A simple straight axle helps to support the
weight of the vehicle and serves as an attachment point for the wheels. A drive axle does all of this, along
with providing the torque transfer capabilities of a differential. A transaxle serves all of the same purposes
as a drive axle, but also includes the gear-changing capabilities of a transmission.
Maintenance Tips/Suggestions: Axle maintenance is related to the complexity of the axle. A straight axle
requires periodic cleaning and repacking of wheel bearings, usually every two years or 24,000 miles. Drive
axles should have the axle lube level checked with every oil change. On most front-wheel-drive vehicles, the
differential is part of the manual or automatic transaxle, and therefore does not require a separate
differential lube check. If you have a rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive vehicle, check the owner's manual
to find out the recommended interval for differential lube changes. Positive-lock differentials may require a
different lube or a lube additive. Many manufacturers claim their differentials to be "lubed for life," unless it
has been submerged in water. If you have a pickup or SUV, this may happen quite often, especially if you
pull a boat. If this is the case, have the axle lube changed at least once a year. In cold climates, you may
want to consider changing the standard axle lube to a synthetic type. Synthetic lubes flow easier in cold
weather, improving lubrication. With a 4x4, this is doubly the case because of the two axles. Always use a
lubricant that meets or exceeds the manufacturer's lube specifications. When cared for properly, differentials
provide many thousands of miles of trouble-free operation. When a differential problem does occur,
symptoms may include: a high-pitch sound when accelerating or decelerating, clunking when accelerating
or when shifting between reverse and drive, or a howling sound. Differential problems should be checked
out as soon as possible by a qualified service professional.
There are several types of axles used on cars and light trucks. The most common is the transaxle, which
encases an automatic or manual transmission and a differential. Another popular type of axle is the drive
axle, sometimes referred to as a live axle, which contains the differential. The least popular type of axle,
which is fading quickly from use, is the non-driving straight axle. This axle is basically a straight beam that
connects the wheels together, but has no differential. The straight axle was once used commonly at the rear
of front-wheel-drive vehicles and on the front of rear-wheel-drive pick-ups. With the growing popularity of
independent suspension systems, the straight axle is rapidly becoming obsolete.
Purpose: Since axles vary in complexity, so do their purposes. A simple straight axle helps to support the
weight of the vehicle and serves as an attachment point for the wheels. A drive axle does all of this, along
with providing the torque transfer capabilities of a differential. A transaxle serves all of the same purposes
as a drive axle, but also includes the gear-changing capabilities of a transmission.
Maintenance Tips/Suggestions: Axle maintenance is related to the complexity of the axle. A straight axle
requires periodic cleaning and repacking of wheel bearings, usually every two years or 24,000 miles. Drive
axles should have the axle lube level checked with every oil change. On most front-wheel-drive vehicles, the
differential is part of the manual or automatic transaxle, and therefore does not require a separate
differential lube check. If you have a rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive vehicle, check the owner's manual
to find out the recommended interval for differential lube changes. Positive-lock differentials may require a
different lube or a lube additive. Many manufacturers claim their differentials to be "lubed for life," unless it
has been submerged in water. If you have a pickup or SUV, this may happen quite often, especially if you
pull a boat. If this is the case, have the axle lube changed at least once a year. In cold climates, you may
want to consider changing the standard axle lube to a synthetic type. Synthetic lubes flow easier in cold
weather, improving lubrication. With a 4x4, this is doubly the case because of the two axles. Always use a
lubricant that meets or exceeds the manufacturer's lube specifications. When cared for properly, differentials
provide many thousands of miles of trouble-free operation. When a differential problem does occur,
symptoms may include: a high-pitch sound when accelerating or decelerating, clunking when accelerating
or when shifting between reverse and drive, or a howling sound. Differential problems should be checked
out as soon as possible by a qualified service professional.
Information provided by
