AU-RA 01 [ AUTOMOBILE LAB]

CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................2
FUNCTIONS OF REAR AXLE:............................................................................................2
CLASSIFICATION OF REAR AXLE:...................................................................................2
1. According to the design of axle:................................................................................2
(A.) Banjo axle:..................................................................................................................2
(B.) Split axle:....................................................................................................................3
2. According to the method of supporting:..................................................................3
(A.) Half floating rear axle:.............................................................................................3
(B.) Three quarter floating rear axle:.............................................................................3
(C.) Full floating rear axle:..............................................................................................4

MICRO MECH INSTRUMENTS 1

 AU-RA 01 [ AUTOMOBILE LAB]

INTRODUCTION

Rear axle is the last member of power train. In most of automobiles, real axle
is the driving axle. It lies between the driving wheels and the differential gear and
transmit power from the differential to the driving wheels. It consists of two half
shaft connected to the differential gear, one for one wheel. The inner end of the each
half shaft connected to the sun gear of the differential and the outer end to the
wheel. The rear axle and differential gear are completely enclosed in a housing
which protects them from water, dust and injury.

FUNCTIONS OF REAR AXLE:

The rear axle mainly performs following two functions.
1. It carries the weight of the vehicle.
2. It rotates and transmits the power from the engine to the wheels.

CLASSIFICATION OF REAR AXLE:

Rear axle classified by two methods.
1. According to the design of axle:

(A.) Banjo axle:

This type of axle is a single shaft and final drive assembly is carried in a separate
casing which is bolted to the axle housing. The banjo construction is often used for
smaller and lighter vehicle.

MICRO MECH INSTRUMENTS 2

 AU-RA 01 [ AUTOMOBILE LAB]

(B.) Split axle:

In this type of axle split shaft are used with the central housing contain the
differential gear and it is fitted with a tube on each side to carry the half axles and
bearing.

2. According to the method of supporting:

(A.) Half floating rear axle:

In this axle the bearing which support the axle, are inside the casing. The axle of the
wheel is at the center of the axle casing.
The whole weight of the vehicle is first transmitted to the suspension spring then to
the axle casing, rear axle, wheel and ground.

(B.) Three quarter floating rear axle:

In this axle bearing are on the outer side of casing between the wheel and the axle
casing. The wheels are fitted at the end of the axle by means of a key, bolt or nut.
The weight of the vehicle is supported partly by the axle casing and partly by the
axle. The main advantage of this type of axle over the half floating axle is that the
major part of the load is taken by the axle casing and not by axle. Axle only takes
care of the rotating and transmits the power.

MICRO MECH INSTRUMENTS 3

 AU-RA 01 [ AUTOMOBILE LAB]

(C.) Full floating rear axle:

In this type of axle bearing are on the outer side of casing between the wheel and the
axle casing. The axle is not supported by the bearing at entire end and its position is
maintained by the way that it is supported at both ends. The wheels are fitted at the
end of the axle by means of a key, bolt or nut.
Thus the entire weight of the vehicle is supported by the wheel and axle casing. The
axle is relieved of all strain caused by the weight of the vehicle on end thrust. It
transmits only driving torque.

MICRO MECH INSTRUMENTS 4