How Many Axles Does A Car Have: The Detailed Answer!

The number may vary in different cars, but no vehicle can run without axles. And, almost everyone has wondered at least once how many axles does a car have, right?

Rotating car wheels may appear startling, but there is whole math done behind the process. 

The smoother those wheels look while revolving, the better the axle tends to work. An axle is a steel rod or a central shaft for rotating wheels in the car. So, let’s find an answer to this here!

What is Axle – The Basics

Not everyone knows what an axle is, so here is what we need to know before understanding how many axles on a car. But before understanding how many axles does a car have, you must surely know about what an axle is. 

You can call it a central shaft that is designed to rotate gear or the wheels of your car. Axles in the car are glued to the wheels, and turn around with it. It may even be attached to the vehicle, allowing the wheels to turn around the axle. 

You may even hear the word ‘bearing,’ which resides at the mounting points to support the axle. And, when the axles are attached to the vehicle, bearings tend to rest inside the mid hole of the wheel.

The power of a car’s engine is transferred to the wheels by an axle. It has to sustain the weight of the car, passengers, and cargo, also the force of braking and accelerating.

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Factors That Decide the Type of Axle in the Car

The technical specifications, forces generated, and even the gear mechanism decides the type of axle that will fit the vehicle. 

While usually there are some pre-designed axles in the cars, some others even go for customized ones as well. Car experts believe that the latter ones are more suitable for cars. 

The reason is that personalized axles have better control over the speed and torque of the wheels. All you need to do is maintain it appropriately, so be ready to learn some maintenance tips from the experts.

Design of the Axle

The wheels of your car are fixed to a detached shaft on each side. One can see that the modern cars are installed with the split drive axles. 

A driver can expect a smoother drive as such designs allow independent suspension of both the wheels. In the case where the suspension is not sovereign, split axles even function properly to provide different speed to both the wheels for smoother turning. 

It also adds years to the tires. Besides, the steel that manufacturers use to create axles is carbon and chrome-molybdenum steel.

There are 3 types of axle.

1. Front Axle

Front axle is located in the front of the vehicle, it is responsible for assisting with steering and processing shocks from the uneven surface of the road. 

The front axle usually has four main parts, which are: the beam, swivel pin, track rod, stub axle. The front axles are made from carbon steel or nickel steel so they are really sturdy.

2. Rear Axle

The rear axle plays an important role for delivering power to the driving wheels. This axle comes in two halves, known as half shafts that are connected by the differential. 

3. Stub Axle

A stub axle or stud axle is either one of two front axles in a rear wheel drive vehicle, or one of the two rear axles in a front wheel drive vehicle. 

In a rear wheel drive vehicle this axle is capable of angular movement about the kingpin for steering the vehicle.

How Many Axles Does A Car Have? Exploring the Answer

Now as we have understood the basics of axles, revealing the actual number of axles that a car has would be great. So, how many axles does a car have or how many axles does a SUV have? 

Some are four-axle vehicles, some are two-axle vehicles. But if you have a vehicle that fits more passengers, then the number of axles may vary.

So, one can easily identify the actual number of axles in their car or any other vehicle. All you need to do is to simply look at your vehicle from the side, and count how many tires your car has. 

It is the best way to know how many axles does a car have, without asking anyone.

What About The Truck – How Many Axles Does A Truck Have

For the truck, the case is more complicated. Since the truck is really big and it needs much more weight bearing ability than road cars. 

So the old solid-axle design has been retained. The reason behind it is the old solid axles can carry much more weight than the configurations found on modern road cars. 

So the front axles are old solid axles and the back, the axles are similar to other cars. Therefore it is okay to say that the truck has one or three axles.

A Multi-Answers Question

As we discussed above, there are many possible answers to this question, and it depends largely on your definition of axle. 

The old vehicles use the old type of axles. It actually no longer exists on the modern car but the truck does. Some trucks dislike SUVs or cars, they still use the old solid-axles. 

When Do You Need To Repair Or Replace The Axles?

Axles are made to bear tremendous weight. Though they are manufactured to face such weight, they may fall into poor condition after some years. 

Various hazardous situations can weaken your vehicle parts and axles are not out of them. Some significant signs tell you that you need to repair or replace the axles.

• A clunking sound when putting your vehicle into gear.
• Vibrations throughout your car when turning or braking.
• Your car is running normally but something unusual happens when moving.

If there is one of these symptoms, you should bring your car to the garage to check and they will know what to do with your car. Remember to choose a trustful garage.

FAQs on Car Axles

1. What happens if one of the axles is excessively long?

When the axle is excessively long, the CV or plunge joint might bottom out, damaging the surfaces of the balls, bearings, and races. 

Under some situations, the axle may pull out of the plunge joint if it is too short. Examine the suspension state if a CV joint has failed.

2. What causes axle failure?

Poor maintenance, a car accident, striking curbs, potholes, or bumps too hard, and overloading your vehicle beyond its weight-bearing capability are all things that might destroy your vehicle’s axle. 

The axle is in charge of delivering power from the engine and torque from the gearbox to the wheels.

3. Is it costly to fix an automobile axle?

A new one costs roughly $880 on average, while an axle shaft costs $959. A front axle repair costs around $550-$740, while a rear axle repair costs around $480-$550.

Fortunately, you won’t have to do this frequently, and the replacement should last you a while.

4. How long would a faulty axle last?

Car axles are designed to endure the life of the vehicle. But if you’re driving on a damaged CV axle, you should expect it to last just a few months.

Conclusion

We hope that you might have got the answer to how many axles does a car have. And, in case you want to check the number of axles on a car, simply follow the trick that we mentioned above. 

Do not forget to follow our maintenance tips for better understanding your car and learn how to fix it if there is any problem.