Choosing a straight and precise pine wood derin axle is crucial for winning races. Boy Scouts of America rules prohibit special axles, so ensure the quality of the axles in your kit. Erase manufacturing marks and check for bends or burrs. Use tight-fitting wheels and eliminate wheel sway and friction for maximum performance, but be […]
Choosing the best trailer axle kit depends on the trailer’s usage, weight capacity, and type of vehicle. Consider the type of suspension and tire, and opt for a single-axle version for light-duty trailers. For medium and heavy-duty trailers, choose an axle kit with suspension and high-speed wheel bearings, and consider a braking system for heavy […]
The rear axle shaft provides power to the tires on a rear-wheel-drive vehicle. It comes in two designs: fully floating and single shaft. The fully floating design is stronger and supports none of the vehicle’s weight. The rear axle shaft is hardened to resist engine torque, but race axles are not suitable for street use. […]
Single-axle tractors have one rear axle and are suitable for lighter loads, providing better gas mileage and maneuverability. They may tow large trailers and can have sleeper cabs. A single-axle tractor is a tow vehicle that features one rear axle instead of two, which is common on most larger tow vehicles. While most dual or […]
Axle conversions involve changing the location of springs in the axle housing to alter the ride height or replace a weak independent front suspension with a stronger straight axle. Proper measurements, leveling, and chassis preparation are crucial for a successful conversion, as well as having certified welding professionals complete all finish welds. The most common […]
Axle blocks are used to adjust the ride height of a vehicle with a leaf spring suspension. They are placed between the spring and the axle and held in place with U-bolts. They can only be used on the rear axle and are prohibited on the front axle of four-wheel drive trucks due to safety […]
A dual-axle trailer has two axles with four or more wheels for stability and strength, allowing for safe towing of heavy or numerous items. There are two basic types: enclosed and open-air. The trailer connects to the tow vehicle via a hitch and receiver system, and larger trailers require full-size trucks or SUVs for towing. […]
Axle spacers compensate for lost axle length due to suspension lift installation in independently suspended, front suspension, four-wheel drive trucks. They maintain proper axle offset and suspension movement, preventing damage to the CV joint and axle. They are commonly used instead of lowering the front axle differential. Axle spacers are thin pieces of steel machined […]
Wagon axles connect wheels to the wagon and are dead axles. Bearings are used to attach the axle to the wagon, and collars secure the wheel to the axle. Wheelsets have a design problem, but advanced wagon designs allow for independent wheel rotation. A wagon axle is an axle with which one or two of […]
A bicycle axle is a solid metal component that allows the wheel hub to rotate and is threaded to lock in place. There are two types: solid and hollow, with the latter accommodating quick-release skewers. The hub contains bearings and can be designed to accept sealed bearings. A bicycle axle is a component on a […]
An axle cap seals the hub on a floating axle during towing, preventing oil from leaking out and protecting wheel bearings, oil seals, and wheels. Without it, oil loss can cause burned bearings, seals, and dirty wheels. Axle covers are made from various materials and can include oil fill access plugs and multiple bolt patterns. […]
Front axle assemblies connect the front wheels of a vehicle and can include steering and suspension components. Drive axles deliver torque to the wheels, while dead axles support the weight of the vehicle. The design and function of front axle assemblies vary depending on the vehicle type. Portal axles are useful for off-road vehicles but […]
Axle nuts secure wheels to axles and come in various lug configurations. Bicycles use two axle nuts per wheel, while cars use multiple lug nuts. Axle nuts are usually made of steel for durability and heat resistance. Axle nuts are pieces of hardware used to help secure a wheel to an axle. The axle is […]
A boat trailer axle is a device that attaches tires and a suspension system to a boat trailer. It is commonly made of a hollow steel tube with bolted spindles and is mounted on leaf-type springs. Some boats have electronic brakes, and some trailers use a torsion bar suspension system. A boat trailer axle is […]
An axle nut socket is a specialized tool used to remove the axle nut on front and certain four-wheel drive vehicles. It is necessary for maintenance on the wheel bearing, axle, or constant velocity joint. It is important to use a breaker bar and not an impact wrench to avoid damage. An axle nut socket […]
Axle bolts connect a vehicle’s drive axle to a wheel hub or axle shafts. They are made of hardened steel and commonly installed with a liquid thread-locking compound and lock washer. They are used to secure the axle to the wheel hub in fully floating type axles and to connect the outer half shaft assembly […]
An axle carrier, also known as a stub, differential, or third member, houses the gear set of a driveshaft. It can be removable or cast into the shaft housing. The pinion, ring gear, and spider gears are located inside the carrier, which is commonly made of cast iron or aluminum. Removable carriers are preferred in […]
An axle puller is a tool used to remove an axle from an axle housing, often due to seized wheel bearings or other issues. It attaches to the axle by screwing in wheel studs and can be disassembled for storage. In some cases, heat or a cable winch may be necessary to remove a stuck […]
Axle shims adjust the angle of a vehicle’s pinion axle by being placed between the axle and leaf spring. They are commonly used in four-wheel drive applications to combat severe driveshaft angles caused by excessive suspension lift. The pinion angle is determined by a gauge and adjusted through upper suspension rods. Axle shims are thin […]
An axle rod is a dead axle found on primitive vehicles like carts and wagons, with wheels rotating around it. Modern vehicles use a gear system to turn the axle. The term “axle bar” is becoming less common as motor vehicles replace primitive ones. Some multi-axle vehicles use a combination of drive and dead axles. […]
