https://wikicars.org/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=Live_axle 2026-04-25T16:18:24Z Revision history for this page on the wiki MediaWiki 1.38.4 https://wikicars.org/index.php?title=Live_axle&diff=13618&oldid=prev 2006-07-18T19:06:37Z

<p></p> <p><b>New page</b></p><div>A &#039;&#039;&#039;live axle&#039;&#039;&#039; is a type of &#039;&#039;beam [[axle]]&#039;&#039; [[suspension system]] that uses the [[driveshaft]]s that transmit power to the wheels to connect the wheels laterally so that they move together as a unit. <br /> <br /> A live axle consists of a central [[differential]] mated to tubes containing the [[driveshaft]]s that connect the [[differential]] to the driven wheels. The [[differential]] is connected to the engine via a swinging [[propellor shaft]] and a [[universal joint]]. The complete assembly is suspended on [[coil spring]]s or [[leaf spring]]s. <br /> <br /> Some live axles use [[trailing arm]]s, [[semi-trailing arm]]s, [[Panhard rod]], and/or Watts linkage to control the vertical and lateral movements of the [[axle]]. Others, particularly older vehicles, use Hotchkiss drive, in which the leaf springs provide [[axle]] location as well as suspension.<br /> <br /> As with any beam [[axle]], the advantages of the live axle are relative simplicity, lower manufacturing costs, and the fact that the [[axle]] and suspension systems take up little or no interior volume. Because the [[axle]] assembly is a fairly simple and rigid arrangement, it can easily be made stronger and more robust, which is an advantage for vehicles with substantial power or that are intended for rugged and/or off-road usage. <br /> <br /> The principal disadvantage is the negative effect on ride quality and handling. The wheels cannot move independently in response to bumps. Also, the mass of the [[differential]] and [[driveshaft]]s are part of the vehicle&#039;s unsprung weight, so the greater unsprung mass transmits larger forces to the body of the vehicle and its occupants. <br /> <br /> Until the 1980s the live axle was the most common rear suspension system on [[Rear-wheel drive|rear-wheel drive]] cars in the United States. It remains common on [[Trucks|trucks]] and other heavy vehicles, owing to its greater potential robustness, but many passenger cars have now adopted [[independent rear suspension]] instead.<br /> <br /> [[Image:Solid_Axle_Diagram.gif|center|thumb|400px|Solid [[axle]] suspension characteristics: Camber change on bumps, none on rebound, large unsprung weight]]<br /> <br /> [[Category:Automotive suspension technologies]]<br /> [[Category:Automobiles]]</div>

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