Tips for identifying axles include studying axle labels, visual cues like center section and wheel hub markings, and dimensions. Axle identification aids in purchasing replacement axles and identifying high-performance axles. The identification tag affixed by the manufacturer contains important information. Visual design cues can also aid in identification. Brake drums or discs and wheel studs can also provide clues.
Some of the best tips for axle identification include purchasing books and materials to decipher the axle label that is attached to each axle housing, as well as studying photos of various axles to aid in identification of the axles that may have the identification tag removed. Telltale visual cues for easy axle identification include center section, wheel hub, and bearing size markings. Other forms of axle identification include wheel bolt pattern identification, center section material identification, and axle housing shape. Dimensions, axle spline count, and differential design will often aid in the identification of a high performance axle.
When looking for a replacement axle for a restoration or custom build, understanding the different methods of axle identification can often aid in your salvage yard axle purchase. All the information required to accurately identify an axle can be found on the identification tag affixed to the axle by the manufacturer. Commonly stamped on a metal tag that is bolted to the axle in the center section, a series of numbers and letters mark the year of manufacture, gear ratio, differential type, and vehicle model in which it was fitted. originally installed the shaft. The absence of this label indicates an axle that has been altered or repaired by a non-professional technician.
Visual design cues can often aid in shaft identification when the identification tag is missing. Spring pads, or lack thereof, can indicate which style of suspension the axle was designed for. Axle spring hangers are used for a leaf spring style suspension, while bushing mounts cut into the center section of the axle indicate a coil spring suspension. Typically, the axle width measurement can be used in axle identification, with a wide axle on a light truck and a very narrow axle on a sports car.
Other performance axle identification clues can be found in the size and style of the brake drums or discs. Large diameter drum brakes indicate use on a performance car or truck, while disc brakes indicate a performance sedan or vehicle. Visual cues, such as the number of wheel studs, can often be used to identify the difference in truck and car axles. With American-made axles, performance axle identification can be made by counting the number of bolts used on the rear center section cover of General Motors axles and the size of the sprocket on a Ford Motor Company axle. .
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