Do you know how your car moves so effortlessly or how it bears all your passengers and cargo? Well, in part, the answer lies in your car’s axles. Axles are an essential component to the functionality of any vehicle, but people hardly ever pay too much attention to them until something goes wrong. In this article, let’s take a closer look at axles: what they are, how they function, and how many an average car has. Spoiler: it’s likely to be more than you might think!
What is an Axle in a Car?
An axle, on the other hand, is a rod or shaft that rotates the wheels and bears the weight of the car; one can think of it as the car’s body in between the wheels. Without the axles, the wheels would not be in the motion because the car would be immobile. In addition, axles need to be strong and stout enough to hold the power that is coming from the engine and the weight of the car.
Why Are Axles Important?
An axle does not only turn the wheels; it also has to steer, brake, and even dissipate shocks from irregular road surfaces. A bad axle can translate directly to the loss of control over your vehicle, and no one is better than you to remind yourself that you need to keep your axles in a good shape too, just as you do for your engine. In short, axles are crucial to both safety and performance.
How Many Axles Does a Car Typically Have?
Standard Cars
Most standard cars have two axles: one at the front and one at the back. Each axle is responsible for rotating a pair of wheels—one axle for the front wheels and another for the rear wheels. Simple, right?
SUVs and Trucks
When it comes to larger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and some heavy-duty vehicles, the number of axles can vary. SUVs usually still have two axles, but trucks may have more, especially if they are designed to carry heavier loads. Some heavy-duty trucks can have three or more axles.
Different Types of Axles in Cars
Front Axle
The front axle is mainly responsible for steering the vehicle. It connects the front wheels and plays a part in absorbing shocks from driving on rough roads. In a front-wheel-drive car, the front axle also transmits power to the wheels from the engine.
Rear Axle
The rear axle supports the weight of the vehicle and is responsible for delivering power to the rear wheels in rear-wheel-drive vehicles. Even in front-wheel-drive cars, the rear axle plays a role in maintaining the vehicle’s stability.
Stub Axle
Stub axles are shorter versions of regular axles, typically found in smaller vehicles or used for trailers. They are connected to the wheels via kingpins.
Dead vs Live Axles
A dead axle doesn’t rotate with the wheels; it merely holds the wheels in place. On the other hand, a live axle rotates with the wheels, transferring power from the engine.
How to Count Axles on a Car
Now that I think of it, the simplest way to count how many axles a car has is to count by pairs of wheels, which are made up by one common axle. So whereas each car may have four wheels, then presumably the number of axles is going to be two, but trucks and other bigger machines will have several sets of wheels and consequently more axles.
Factors That Affect the Number of Axles
The number of axles on a car varies according to the car type, the size and the body, and even purpose. However, as normal passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks characteristically are two-axled, larger trucks, and commercial vehicles can have more axles with the purpose of further support and stability. The more the size and capacity of a vehicle, the more axles it carries.
Axles in Two-Wheel Drive vs Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles
Two-Wheel Drive
In a two-wheel-drive vehicle, power is transmitted to either the front or rear wheels through the axle. These vehicles usually have two axles—one front and one rear.
Four-Wheel Drive
The power is transmitted to all four wheels in a four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicle. The difference here is that while the two-wheel drive has axles just as the 4WD, they work differently. The axles are connected to a differential; thus, every wheel rotates at a different speed as long as power is being received.
Axles in Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
Electric and hybrid vehicles continue forward like a traditional gasoline-powered car with axles. However, because electric vehicles (EVs) have electric motors on the axles themselves, it can differ depending on what the car is designed to be. Some EVs might have a different number of axles, so one axle per motor so, instead of two axles, they may have up to four.
The Role of Axles in Vehicle Performance
With a smooth running and handling, the axles are essential factors. Axle damage is likely to cause uneven tire wear or poor alignment, but at worse safety risks. Making sure that the axles in your car are in good condition will definitely help maintain its performance and safety.
Common Axle Problems
Common axle issues include wear and tear, broken CV joints, and bent axles due to accidents or rough driving. Signs of axle trouble include vibrations, unusual noises, and difficulty steering.
How to Maintain Your Car’s Axles
Regular maintenance like lubricating the axle joints, checking for cracks or wear, and having your axles inspected during routine service appointments can extend their lifespan. Keeping your axles in top shape can help avoid costly repairs down the road.
When to Replace an Axle
An axle should be replaced if it shows signs of serious wear or damage. For example, if you hear clunking noises while turning or your car vibrates heavily while driving, it might be time to visit a mechanic.
Upgrading Your Car’s Axles
If you’re into performance driving or off-roading, you might consider upgrading your axles. Performance axles are built to withstand more torque and rougher conditions than standard axles.
Conclusion
Axles are certainly one of those things you don’t think about when you first start thinking about car maintenance. However, they are very important to the proper working of the vehicle; so, understanding how many axles your car has may well keep you from an unpleasant surprise when your car breaks down on a busy street.
