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Automotive vocabulary · Transmission and Drivetrain

Axle

Meaning in automotive, with examples

/ˈæksəl/nounCommon term

In automotive, axle means: A shaft or beam on which a pair of wheels is mounted. A drive axle also transmits power to the wheels; a non-driven axle only carries the weight.

In Turkish: aks, dingil

How it is used

Common phrases are front axle, rear axle, axle load and axle shaft. Parts such as brake pads and tires are replaced in axle sets, meaning both sides of the same axle together.

Example sentences

  1. Always replace brake pads on both sides of the axle at the same time.

  2. The maximum rear axle load is 1,200 kg.

Common collocations

  • front axle
  • rear axle
  • axle load
  • axle shaft
  • drive axle
  • differentialA gear set on a driven axle that lets the left and right wheels turn at different speeds when the car goes around a corner, while still sending power to both.
  • driveshaftA rotating shaft that carries torque from the gearbox towards the wheels. In rear-drive cars it is the long shaft to the rear axle; in front-drive cars short driveshafts run to each front wheel.
  • wheel alignmentThe adjustment of the wheel angles (toe, camber and caster) to the manufacturer's values, so the car drives straight and the tires wear evenly.
  • suspensionThe system of springs, shock absorbers and linkages that connects the wheels to the body. It absorbs bumps and keeps the tires in contact with the road.

More terms: Transmission and Drivetrain

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