AXLE SHAFT DESIGN

Technical definition: A supporting shaft or member on or with which a wheel or a set of

wheels revolves. OR A single rotating shaft, on either side of the differential, which delivers
power from the final drive assembly to the drive wheels. Also called a driveshaft or a half shaft.

An axle is a central shaft for a rotating wheel or gear. In some cases the axle may be fixed in
position with a bearing or bushing sitting inside the hole in the wheel or gear to allow the wheel
or gear to rotate around the axle. In other cases the wheel or gear may be fixed to the axle,
with bearings or bushings provided at the mounting points where the axle is supported.

Sometimes, especially on bicycles, the latter type is referred to as a spindle.

Purpose:

AXLE

Axle is a steel shaft on which the locomotive wheels are mounted. The axle not only
holds the wheels to gauge, but also transmits the load from the axle-boxes to the
wheels. In some cases the axle is fixed in position with a bearing inside the hole in the
wheel or gear to allow the wheel or gear to rotate around the axle. In other cases the
wheel or gear may be fixed to the axle, with bearings provided at the mounting points
where the axle is supported. 

Automobiles and other vehicles usually have a split axle, either front or rear. Each
driven wheel is attached to a separate shaft, with a differential and universal joints
between the two shafts and providing

means to transfer power to the two half axles. The differential and split axle allows the
two wheels to rotate at different speeds when the vehicle is turning. 

Types 
There are several types of axle:
 Transaxle - The most common type, which encases an automatic or manual
transmission and a differential. The main purpose is the gear changing
capabilities of a transmission.
 Drive Axle - Also called live axle, which contains the differentials. It provides
the torque transfer capabilities of a differential.
  Straight Axle - A straight beam that connects the wheels together, but has no
differentials. It helps to support the weight of the vehicle and serves as an
attachment point for the wheels.

Maintenance
Axle maintenance is related to the complexity of the axle. A straight axle requires
periodic cleaning. Drive axles should have the axle lube level checked with every oil
change. Positive lock differentials require a different lube. In cold weather synthetic
lubes should be used because they flow easier in this weather. Axle lube is specially
formulated oil that is capable of handling high-pressure loads. The lubricants come in
various viscosities to meet different specifications. Axle lube provides lubrication for
the various gears and bearings in the rear axle of rear-wheel-drive cars and trucks.