What Does a Car Axle Look Like?

A: The car axle is a long rod that connects two wheels on either side of the car. It usually consists of a shaft, bearings that enable it to rotate while it’s carrying the load, and hubs that act as mounting points for the wheels. Drive axles have a set of differential gears between the two axles tot allow each wheel to spin at a different speed during turns.

Depending on its type, the axle might look different. Some axles are a single rod, while others are a pair of connected half-shafts. There are also solid axles and some that are hollow.

Car axles fulfill several roles according to their location and type.

First, all axles enable their connected wheels to rotate together. They also support part of the vehicle’s weight, contributing to the smoothness of the ride. The front axle is usually part of the steering system, so it plays a part in how the car handles.

If it’s a drive axle, it transfers power from the engine and transmission to the wheels, propelling your vehicle forward or backward. There’s also the CV axle, which acts as the drive axle for cars with front-wheel drive (FWD).

Tips on How to Access the Car Axle

As always, make sure your car won’t move while you’re underneath it to remove the car axle. Find a place with level ground that will help prevent your vehicle from moving. Ensure the parking brake is engaged and the transmission is in park. Furthermore, place wheel chocks behind the tires.

You’ll need a car jack to raise your car from the ground and jack stands to keep it aloft. Make sure the jack and stands are strong enough to support your car’s weight.

If you’re working on the CV axles, remove only one of them at a time. This careful approach keeps the gears unmoving in the transmission, reducing the chances of damaging a gear or another component.