Commercial Vehicle Axle Stands? The 11 Detailed Answer

There are many reasons you might need to reach for your jacks. You could just have a flat tire and need to change it, or you could get greasy climbing under it to tinker. Whatever your reason for reaching for jack stands, these simple but efficient nuggets of metal are the ideal tool for raising any vehicle.

Jack: The right tool for the job

There are 3 main types of jacks for jacking up a car, each with its advantages which are briefly summarized below.

Scissor jacks are compact and relatively lightweight. If you have a spare tire in your car, you probably already have one of these jacks. Scissor jacks are ideal for emergency lifting operations, e.g. B. when changing tires on the side of the road. However, they are not the most stable jacks and should always be used on level ground.

Bottle jacks are just as compact as scissor jacks, except they can generally lift much heavier vehicles. The main disadvantage of a bottle jack is the clearance it takes to place under a vehicle, however they are more stable than scissor jacks.

Floor jacks are arguably the best type of jack there is. Their strength, stability and maneuverability make them ideal for professional and home mechanics alike. Floor jacks fit under lower cars than a bottle jack and raise the car higher than either of the two options above. Overall a great all-rounder.

Axle Stands (aka Jack Stands) are the perfect complement to any of the above jacks. They are designed to support the weight of your vehicle and allow you to get under the car and get dirty without worrying about it falling on you. Just make sure you have axle stands that can support the weight of your vehicle. The most common weight capacities are 2 tons, 3 tons and 4 tons. However, Euro Car Parts has axle stands that can hold 44 tons.

Other ways to raise your vehicle

Air Jacks are known for their safety, reliability and the speed at which they can lift a vehicle. This type of jack is more used by garages than do-it-yourselfers.

Wheel chocks are an essential component when it comes to raising your vehicle for essential maintenance, especially if you are only lifting one side of the car. Chocking a set of chocks behind the wheels will keep the car from rolling if the jacks shift or fail.

Car ramps are an easy-to-use alternative to jack stands. Simply place the ramps in the front (or in the back if you’re working on the back of the vehicle) and gently drive up. Euro Car Parts have a great set of Sealey car ramps that are perfect for both professional and home mechanics. These stackable ramps can safely support 2 tons.

Stay tuned to the Euro Car Parts Blog for more top tips, consumer advice and product reviews. We help you with expert advice and opinions as well as new high quality car parts to improve, repair and service your car.

For help finding the right parts for your vehicle, visit Euro Car Parts online or in store today. Click here to find the nearest branch. With over 200 locations across the UK, you’re never far from an ECP branch.

Quite often when we are working on cars or shooting DIY videos for our youtube channel, we have to use axle stands to support the car. We’re skipping this process in the videos for clarity, but it’s such a safety-critical thing that we thought we’d show you how it’s done – how to safely prop your car up on jack stands.

Why you need axle stands:

If you are doing any work or inspection on a car that requires you to place part or all of the body underneath, you will need axle stands. Why? because if the car falls on you because your jack failed or the car skidded off, you will be seriously injured at best and at worst it could kill you. Not wanting to be sensationalist, but most modern cars weigh over a ton and a half, and your mushy human body just can’t handle that kind of weight. Jacks rely on mechanical or hydraulic mechanisms to raise the vehicle off the ground. Over time, these mechanisms can wear out. it doesn’t happen very often, but they can fail completely. More commonly, a jack will move on its wheels, causing the car to slip, or in the case of scissor or bottle jacks, the motion of the vehicle as it is being lifted can put sufficient lateral load on the jack to cause it to tip over. Axle stands have no hydraulic or mechanical moving parts that could wear out. They are specially designed to support a vehicle and have a wide, stable base. Long story short – they’re a lot less likely to fail or fall over and are therefore a lot safer, so using them is a very good idea! What you need:

Where to set up axle stands?

Watch our video or read on if you prefer! First, make sure your car is on a level, solid surface. Jacking up your car on an incline or soft grass/dirt can put side loads on your jacks/axle stands and cause them to tip over. Next you need to check how much your car weighs. Look for a sticker in the door jamb that looks like this: Consult your owner’s manual to see what the weights mean for your specific car. In our Golf, the weights refer to:

1900 kg – total vehicle weight

3300kg – maximum vehicle weight fully loaded

1040kg – weight of the vehicle on the front axle

930kg – weight of the vehicle on the rear axle

So you must ensure that the equipment you use to lift and support the vehicle exceeds the weights listed on the decal/manual for your car. To be on the safe side, we recommend using jacks and axle stands that are rated for the total weight of the vehicle and not just the weight of the heaviest axle. Next, apply the handbrake, put the car in gear (or park if it’s a car), and turn off the engine. You will then need to chock the wheels as an extra precaution to prevent the car from rolling when you start jacking it up. If you lift the back of the car, lock the front wheels and if you lift the front wheel, lock the rear wheels.

Jacking points on your car

Check your owner’s manual to find out where the lifting points are on your car. Our car also has a small arrow on the rocker panel that shows where the jack points are. Jack up the car to the desired height. Being able to place the axle stand at the jack point would be ideal, but often there isn’t enough room for the jack and stand. If this is the case you will need to find another fixed point under the car to position the stands. This will vary from car to car, but ideally you should opt for the most accessible point – either a chassis rail or subframe or suspension attachment point. Don’t be tempted to use the engine pan or floor pan as jack stand points, although they are large flat surfaces they are not strong enough and you could seriously damage the car or the engine if you use these points to support the jack use cars. When you have a suitable place to position the stands, raise them to the desired height (if yours are adjustable) and insert the locking pin. Slowly and carefully lower the jack until the weight of the car is transferred to the stand. If you remove a wheel from the car, you can also slide it under the sill as an extra safety measure. If you are jacking up the other side of the car or all 4 corners the process is the same, just use caution, take your time and always work with another person if possible.

If you are a do-it-yourself car owner, you know how to change your oil, work on the suspension, repair the transmission and do regular maintenance. But if you don’t have a full hydraulic system in your garage, you’ll need to invest in ramps or jacks to raise your vehicle to view the undercarriage and work on various components.

There has long been debate as to which is better, so here are a few details to help you decide which is right for your application.

Peculiarities of the car ramp

Most car owners know how to use ramps – and when you don’t, they’re easy to use, which accounts for a lot of their popularity. Align the pair of ramps to the front or rear wheels of your car and slowly drive up the incline. Apply the emergency brake and place wheel chocks behind the rear or front tires. And that’s it! You can start working.

The process doesn’t require you to crawl under the vehicle, and the ramps are light enough to carry and easy to store in your garage. Car ramps have improved safety features that make them more stable than jack stands. They provide a larger surface area that gives traction to the ground and supports the car’s wheels. Another benefit is affordability. Ramps are ideal for oil changes and other maintenance jobs that don’t require extensive work.

Disadvantages include the possibility of the ramps slipping if you place them on a surface with little traction, such as a gravel road. For example, a slippery surface, slick concrete, an oil-stained driveway, a dirt floor, or an area with pebbles or gravel. You also need to move your vehicle backwards or forwards to get onto the slope, which may not be ideal in tight spaces.

Jack booth facts

Some might find jacks to be more complicated to use because if you don’t know where your car’s jacking points are then this gear might not be the best choice – unless you do some research, of course. Apply the parking brake and chock the wheels that stay on the ground, if equipped. Raise the vehicle with your jack, then place the stands under the appropriate jacking points. Lower the system until the jacks support the car on their own, and you’re good to go.

The advantages of jacks include not having to move the vehicle, which means it excels in small spaces. They also enable more mobility and are ideal for removing wheels when working on the brakes or changing tires. Several disadvantages include a lower margin of error and bushings require more precision and time. If you don’t position the stand in a safe position, downward movement could cause the car to fall to the ground.

Ramps vs. Jacks

It all depends on the application, personal preference and experience. Ramps are cheaper, safer and easier to use. They are for oil changes and better for beginners, while jacks are for more advanced technicians. The jacking equipment helps with more complicated maintenance work, such as working on the brakes, exhaust work or rotating tires.

Purchase jacks or wheel ramps from North American Auto Equipment

We offer a large inventory of Wheel Ramps to assist with your DIY maintenance jobs as well as a inventory of Jacks to assist with your more difficult tasks. North American Auto Equipment is a hands-on company that recommends solutions based on your application. For more information about our elevator equipment, contact us online.

Each year thousands of home mechanics and car enthusiasts suffer serious and potentially fatal injuries when a jack or jack collapses while working under a vehicle.

Sometimes jack and jack injuries result from improper use. But in many cases the devices were defective or were sold with insufficient instructions for use.

The Killino company’s defective product advocates believe victims of preventable jack and jack accidents are entitled to compensation for their pain and suffering. If you or someone you love has been injured or tragically killed as a result of a broken jack or a collapsing jack, call our law office toll-free at 877-875-2927 to speak with an attorney and learn about your legal rights to experience.

Jack and jack failures injure over 4,800 people annually

Jacks raise cars off the ground for maintenance and repairs. Jacks do not raise vehicles, but provide secure, firm support once raised.

The average passenger car weighs around 4,094 lbs. When a faulty jack or jack fails, the person working under the car is likely to suffer serious and potentially fatal injuries, including:

Crushing injuries

lacerations

Amputation of fingers or limbs

spinal cord injury

paralysis

Permanent scarring or disfigurement

permanent disability

unjust death

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that more than 4,800 people in the United States receive emergency medical treatment related to jack and jack failures each year. While the vast majority of victims are treated and discharged, about 4% require further hospitalization.

About 40% of victims are injured using a jack or jack to lift a vehicle for repairs and 16% are injured while changing a tire. Almost three-quarters of injuries occur when the car or jack slips or falls out of position, and 18% result from loss of pressure in the jack.

Harbor Freight Jack Stand recalls

In May 2020, Harbor Freight recalled more than 1.7 million Pittsburgh Automotive 3-ton and 6-ton heavy-duty steel jack stands after they were involved in 11 non-life-threatening injuries.

The affected products are ratchet-type jack stands with a ratchet that engages teeth on the stand’s lifting arm. According to Harbor Freight, a manufacturing defect stemming from old tools used at a certain Chinese factory could cause the pawl to disengage and the jack to fall. Unfortunately, this defect will likely go unnoticed by a user until the jack actually fails.

While Harbor Freight insisted that the defect affected only a small percentage of the jacks manufactured at a given factory, the company recalled that facility’s entire product run as a precaution.

Less than two months later, Harbor Freight recalled additional Pittsburgh 3-Ton Jack Stands that some customers had purchased as recall replacements. This time the problem was a welding error that could cause the uprights to splinter and collapse.

As a precaution, Harbor Freight also offered refunds on other Pittsburgh 3-ton steel jacks, Pittsburgh 6-ton steel jacks, and Pittsburgh 12-ton steel jacks.

Jack and jack safety tips

Working under a car is inherently dangerous. To avoid a dangerous accident and serious injury, take the following precautions when changing the oil or performing any other repair that involves working under a vehicle:

Check the weight class: Make sure your jack and jacks are appropriate for your vehicle by checking the product manuals and labels for their weight class.

Make sure your jack and jacks are appropriate for your vehicle by checking the product manuals and labels for their weight rating. Check the condition of your jack and jacks: Use quality equipment from a reputable company and always check the condition of your jack and jacks before use.

: Use quality equipment from a reputable company and always check the condition of your jacks and jacks before use. Jack up your vehicle on a flat, hard surface: A concrete garage floor or other flat, hard surface is the best surface for jacking a vehicle. Soft surfaces can cause jack stands to shift.

A concrete garage floor or other flat, hard surface is the best surface for jacking up a vehicle. Soft surfaces can cause jack stands to shift. Use chocks before lifting: These wedge-like devices prevent a vehicle from rolling. Two should be placed behind the wheels at the end that will not be lifted. If wheel chocks are not available, you can use a brick or a sturdy block of wood.

These wedge-like devices prevent a vehicle from rolling away. Two should be placed behind the wheels at the end that will not be lifted. If wheel chocks are not available, you can use a brick or a sturdy block of wood. Locate Jacking Points and Jacking Points: Consult the owner’s manual to determine the best way to jack up your car. Before jacking up, make sure the vehicle’s jacking points work with your jack and jacks. Do not attempt to jack up your car if any of the jacking points appear to be damaged. Instead, contact your dealer or trusted mechanic.

Consult the owner’s manual to determine the best way to jack up your car. Before jacking up, make sure the vehicle’s jacking points work with your jack and jacks. Do not attempt to jack up your car if any of the jacking points appear to be damaged. Instead, contact your dealer or trusted mechanic. Make sure the jacks are vertical and secure: After jacking up the vehicle, make sure the jacks remain vertical and making good contact with the jacking points. Also, make sure your car is stable before entering under it. If something seems wrong, consider jacking up the vehicle again.

Contact us

Unfortunately, a defective jack or jack can fail even after all possible precautions.

Our jack and jack injury attorneys have the resources and experience to ensure victims of improperly designed or manufactured tools and equipment receive the compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one was injured in a jack or jack accident and would like to speak with an attorney, please contact the Killino Law Firm at 1-877-875-2927.

Disclosure: We may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

A jack is a mechanical device that helps hold up a heavy object after using a hydraulic or jack. If you work on vehicles, you would use a jack to hold the car up, for example to replace a wheel, change the oil, or check other components under the vehicle. We asked automotive experts how long a car can stand on a jack. Here’s what we got from them.

You can leave a vehicle on jack stands for as long as necessary. Your car can sit on jack stands for days, weeks, months or even years. It’s fine as long as your vehicle is jacked up on a level surface. One thing to keep in mind is that it is best to leave your vehicle on concrete rather than tarmac. Since asphalt is softer, your jacks can leave marks if left for too long.

Parking your car on jack stands is a great way to store your vehicle because if you leave it alone your tires will deflate over time and you could damage your rims. Also, make sure the vehicle is secured to prevent it from tipping over with a little push. For more information on jacks, read below.

What are the Different Types of Jacks?

Jacks are a great way to lift and hold heavy things like vehicles. There are many different types of jacks used to hold up vehicles. Here are some of the common jacks you would normally come across.

floor jack

A jack is a manually operated hydraulic jack and is the most common jack you will find in a garage or mechanic’s shop. A jack makes lifting the car easier because it has wheels and a low profile. Jacks are more portable and lighter than a similar jack which is the trolley jack.

jack

A floor jack is similar to a floor jack; It also has wheels and a low jack profile. The main difference is that a floor jack is for a lower vehicle such as a luxury or sports car.

Hydraulic jack

A hydraulic jack is a jack that uses the power created by the pressure in its hydraulic chamber. The hydraulic jack uses Pascal’s law to be able to lift heavy objects. There are also automatic hydraulic jacks that use air and electricity to raise vehicles; This process still uses the same principle as an ordinary hydraulic jack.

Pneumatic jack

A pneumatic jack uses air to raise a vehicle. The pneumatic jack can raise a vehicle by converting electrical energy into mechanical energy with the help of compressed air. Note that some of these pneumatic jacks are not recommended for smaller vehicles.

bottle jack

A bottle jack is also one of the most common jacks seen in garages and mechanic shops. It is a heavy duty jack that uses a hydraulic cylinder to lift vehicles. But because of its shape, a bottle jack won’t fit under a low-clearance vehicle. A bottle jack can be operated with a pump handle or an air compressor.

scissor jack

The scissor jack is the simplest type of jack there is. It uses a screw mechanism instead of hydraulic pressure like other jacks. It is called a scissor jack because of its shape and movement. The scissor jack is most likely the jack that comes standard when you receive your vehicle.

Are scissor jacks safe

Scissor jacks are relatively safe if you use them properly. A scissor jack is designed to raise the car so you can change a wheel or remove something underneath and park the car right after. A scissor jack is not designed to hold a vehicle for long periods of time.

If you plan to work under your car, you should not use a scissor jack to hold up your car. You should use a jack to hold up your car after lifting it with a scissor jack. Also, make sure to place your scissor jack on a level surface and not on gravel or dirt.

Which is safer: car ramps or jacks

Jacks are a device used to hold your vehicle after you jack it up. In comparison, a car ramp is a platform that you would drive onto to elevate your vehicle. Both tools are relatively safe when used properly.

Overall it would be safer to use a car ramp. Just make sure the car ramp can support the weight of your vehicle. Although jacks are also a great tool, your vehicle stands on a larger surface than a jack. A wider surface makes your vehicle more stable while you work on it.

How often do jacks fail

Jacks will rarely fail, and when they do, it is most likely user error. Most of the time the jack will fail if it is placed on a softer surface like dirt, gravel or sand. Placing a jack on uneven ground can cause the jack to become unstable.

Another way a jack can fail is if placed in the wrong place on your vehicle, it can cause a crack or dent in your car’s bodywork and even cause your car to slip and then fall to the ground . One sign that you can see if your jack needs replacing is when it starts bleeding.

When working under your vehicle, you need to make sure your jack and jack are placed in the correct positions; This helps to avoid accidents during work. Also, check that your jack and stand can support the weight of your vehicle. If your car is too heavy for your jack, it could cause a breakdown.

What can I use if I don’t have jack stands?

Another great tool for holding up your vehicle are car ramps. Car ramps are great for jacking up cars, you just drive your car on them, and your car also stands on a wider surface than jack stands.

But if you don’t have car ramps either, it’s best to buy or rent a jack or a car ramp. Holding your vehicle with other materials or objects is very dangerous.

Using cinder blocks is a very bad idea as these are not designed to hold much weight and will crumble. Spending some money on the right tools is better than saving money and risking your life in the process.

If you have no other choice in an emergency, you can use solid pieces of wood or slabs of wood placed lengthwise to support the vehicle’s weight. If you’re unfamiliar with using a jack or jack, it’s best to have someone who knows how to do it, or you can call a mechanic.

Conclude

Jacks are a great way to store your vehicle as they can stay on it for a very long time; Just make sure the jacks are on a level, solid surface. Choosing the right jack for your car is also important as jacks come in different shapes and some may not fit under your vehicle.

When using jacks, make sure the jack is placed in the correct place on your vehicle to avoid your car slipping or bending your car’s body. If you don’t have a jack or a car ramp, it’s best to rent or buy one. Spending a little money will benefit your safety.

You can find more automotive topics and tips in the following articles.

Driving without a gas cap – how bad is it?

What Is A Clean Logbook (And How To Get It)

Jack

While the jack that came with your car is fine for an emergency roadside wheel change, it is not to be trusted if you want to work under your car.

They’re not the sturdiest things in the world – and while they work as they should when changing the spare tire, they can easily tip over if you get under the car and start swinging at the wrenches! So – always use a jack that is up to the task.

All jacks come with a weight limit — and while you always want a margin of safety, for example, it’s safe for a 2-ton jack to lift a 2.5-ton car — since you’re not lifting the car’s entire weight at that time.

Jacks come in a variety of flavors, some offering low entry (for very low cars) and high lifting capabilities.

Keep in mind that a large jack is a pretty hefty piece of equipment. If you have to lug it from your shed to your car, you might want to consider a smaller jack—although one is still capable of raising your car safely. Never rely solely on the jack to support the car when working under or near the car.

While the standard jack fits neatly into the prescribed jack points, it may make sense to fit a trolley jack in a different location or you may damage the threshold.

Consult your owner’s manual for safe jacking points, and never raise the car by placing the jack under the engine, transmission, or a plastic underbody. Ideally use a chassis beam, subframe or suspension attachment point.

The Definitive Guide: How to Use Jacks Safely

Every time you lift a vehicle – every time you lift a vehicle off the ground – there must be safety equipment appropriate for the weight of the vehicle. For many screwdrivers, two-post lift and portable car lift are not yet in the picture, so jacks are required for safe lifting. While stands are more tedious to set up and use than hydraulic lifts, they are safe when used properly. That said, we’ve put together a definitive guide to using jacks safely. Follow these steps and you’ll be pitching jacks for many years of trouble-free service.

1. Call a friend

While not required, we strongly recommend doing the autowork with someone else if possible. Even if it’s just your son/daughter or a friend with little automotive experience, it always helps to have an extra pair of eyes or hands. You might even catch something you missed! If nothing else, let them give you tools. Having these nifty color-coded tools helps the uninitiated find exactly what you need quickly!

2. Find a flat surface

Always use your jack and stands on a level surface. If there is more than a slight, barely perceptible incline, one half of the vehicle could roll or shift as the tires lift off the ground. If your vehicle’s transmission is automatic, park the car. If it’s a manual transmission, put it in first gear. In either case, apply the parking brake to ensure your vehicle is stationary at all times.

3. Attach wheel chocks

Wheel chocks are your last line of defense in the event one end of your vehicle rolls forward or backward. Even a small roller could move the underside of your vehicle off the jack or jack, and that can have serious, even fatal, consequences. So let’s try to avoid that, shall we?

4. Place the jack on the OEM jacking points and raise the vehicle

Steps 1 – 3 were all about safety and there is one more thing to do before you jack your car and use jacks safely. Consult the vehicle manual to find the correct lifting points and only lift at those points. The jack used should be suitable for the weight of the vehicle; it should also be of high quality and from a reputable company. When jacking up the vehicle, cover as much of the center of the jacking point as possible, but leave enough room for the jack stand.

5. Place your jack stand

Jack stands must be placed directly under the lifting point. There should be enough room at each jack point to accommodate the handle of the stand. When hydraulic pressure is released from the jack, a properly sized jack will support the weight of the car as long as the stand is flat. Problems arise when the jack is tipped or the weight of the vehicle does not fall flush on the stand. Only fully lower the hydraulic jack after making sure the vehicle is firmly pressed against the stand. The stand must not wobble.

6. Move front to back (or back to front).

If you plan to raise all four wheels, finish half of the car you start with: front or back. Once half of your vehicle is in the air, you no longer have to worry about wheel chocks. Just do steps 4 and 5 for the remaining wheels.

7. Stability Check

Give your car a few light bumps to check that the stands are all in place. Make sure the vehicle is level and all stands are raised to the same height. If all is well, under normal conditions, your vehicle should be left safely on stands indefinitely. Congratulations! You are free to go to work.

8. Raising and lowering

The last thing you will do, of course, is lower the vehicle. To do this, roll the jack under a jack point, raise the vehicle just above the stand, and remove the stand. Lower the vehicle as slowly as possible. The shock absorbers will easily absorb the descent, even if it seems fast. Once half the vehicle is lowered, remember to place wheel chocks on either side of the tires, just as you did when raising the car. You can even do this when the first tire touches down if you want to be extremely careful. Repeat these steps for all OEM lifting points and give yourself a good pat on the back. You are now a vehicle lifting professional.

An axle is a rod or shaft that turns the wheels and supports your vehicle’s weight. Axles are essential components of any vehicle and there are three main types: front, rear and steering knuckles. Let’s break down the axle types and see how to choose the right final drive ratio for your vehicle.

What is an axis?

Axles are a key component of your vehicle and are central shafts that connect to the wheels. According to Car From Japan, they usually turn with the wheels. Because axles control the power that drives the wheels, any vehicle must have axles to function.

How many axles does a car have?

The number of axles in a car depends on the type of vehicle, as Car From Japan notes. In most cases, cars have two axles to turn the wheels. Larger vehicles that carry more passengers and have more wheels can have more axles.

It’s easy to find out the number of axles your car or other vehicle has. Just look at your car from the side and then count the pairs of tires. Most cars have four tires total, or two sets of tires, one in the front and one in the back. Two sets of tires correspond to two axles.

Factors that determine the axle type in a car

Several factors determine what type of axle a vehicle needs. For example, the technical requirements and the amount of force generated play a major role in the decision on the axle type.

Some vehicles have pre-made axles in standard formats. Others have custom axles to suit the car’s needs and specifications. Custom axles are usually best for cars as they allow more individual control over the wheels. These axles can fine tune the speed and torque of the wheels.

types of axes

According to Quadratec, axles come in three standard types:

Rear Axle: This axle is responsible for power transmission to the drive wheels. It consists of two halves, called half-shafts, which are connected by the differential. In most cases, rear axles are active, meaning they rotate with the vehicle’s wheels.

This axis is responsible for power transmission to the drive wheels. It consists of two halves, called half-shafts, which are connected by the differential. In most cases, rear axles are active, meaning they rotate with the vehicle’s wheels. Front Axle: Located at the front of the vehicle, this axle is responsible for helping with steering and handling shocks from the uneven road surface. They consist of four main parts, namely the carrier, the pivot, the tie rod and the steering knuckle. Front axles need to be as strong as possible, so they are usually made from carbon steel or nickel steel.

This axle, located at the front of the vehicle, is responsible for steering assistance and handling bumps in the road. They consist of four main parts, namely the carrier, the pivot, the tie rod and the steering knuckle. Front axles need to be as strong as possible, so they are usually made from carbon steel or nickel steel. Steering Knuckles: Steering knuckles are attached to the vehicle’s front wheels, with kingpins connecting these axles to the front axle.

Types of rear axles

Not all rear axles are the same, as the support and type of attachment determine the type. According to The Engineers Post, there are three types of rear axles:

Swing Axle: This rear axle connects the wheel to the flange on the outside of the axle shaft and holds it securely. One bearing carries the axle shaft and the other goes into the axle housing. Because it has two bearings, a swing axle needs to be larger than the other options to produce the same amount of torque. Semi-floating axles are used for cars, SUVs and mid-size trucks such as B. 0.5 ton and light pickups used.

This rear axle connects the wheel to the flange on the outside of the axle shaft and holds it securely. One bearing carries the axle shaft and the other goes into the axle housing. Because it has two bearings, a swing axle needs to be larger than the other options to produce the same amount of torque. Semi-floating axles are used for cars, SUVs and mid-size trucks such as B. 0.5 ton and light pickups used. Full-Floating Axle: True to its name, this type of axle effectively floats in place and maintains its position thanks to two bearings. It is only designed to transmit drive torque. Swing axles are usually best suited for larger vehicles, such as B. Heavy duty trucks. Some medium-sized trucks with larger towing capacities, or those that make extensive use of all-wheel drive, may also benefit from swing axles.

True to its name, this type of axle effectively hovers in place and maintains its position thanks to two bearings. It is only designed to transmit drive torque. Swing axles are usually best suited for larger vehicles, such as B. Heavy duty trucks. Some medium-sized trucks with larger towing capacities, or those that make extensive use of all-wheel drive, may also benefit from swing axles. Three-quarter swing axle: It is more complex than the swing axle and also more reliable. It helps maintain wheel alignment and handles sideshift and drive torque.

Types of front axles

According to Meineke, vehicles have two main types of front axles. These are:

Dead Front Axle: These axles stay in place and do not rotate with the wheels. Most dead axles and differentials have housings that prevent them from coming into contact with water or dirt.

These axles stay in place and do not rotate with the wheels. Most dead axles and differentials have housings that prevent them from coming into contact with water or dirt. Live front axle: Unlike dead front axles, live front axles transfer the driving force from the transmission to the front wheels.

Types of knuckles

As The Engineers Post explains, there are four types of steering knuckles:

Elliot: This type uses a kingpin, yoke and cotter pin to connect to the front axle.

This type uses a king pin, yoke and cotter pin to connect to the front axle. Reverse Elliot: This type has the opposite configuration of a standard Elliot knuckle.

This type has the opposite arrangement of a standard Elliot knuckle. Lamoine: This type of knuckle has an L-shaped axle instead of a yoke hinge.

This type of knuckle has an L-shaped axle instead of a yoke hinge. Reverse Lamoine: It has the opposite layout of a standard Lamoine knuckle.

This is how you can tell when your axle is in poor condition

Because axles are essential to the operation of your car, it’s important that they work properly. As Meineke notes, you can tell your axle is in bad shape by one of the following:

You hear a loud crack when you put your car in.

You feel vibrations when you operate your car.

Your vehicle will not move forward or backward even though it is running.

How to choose the right final drive ratio for your pickup

In addition to unique torque, engine and transmission specifications, many trucks also have custom final drive ratios. According to Edmunds, an final drive ratio like 3.55:1 means the drive shaft rotates 3.55 times for each wheel revolution.

In most cases, a standard final drive ratio works well for most drivers who don’t expect to be hauling heavy loads. However, if you plan to tow heavy trailers or haul large loads, you may want the highest final drive ratio possible.

Axis issues to consider

There are a few things to consider when choosing the right final drive ratio for your vehicle. Remember:

A vehicle’s window sticker shows fuel economy data for the standard final drive ratio. If the truck has a custom final drive ratio option, fuel economy will automatically be better.

It is impossible to compare the optional final drive ratios of different car manufacturers. The different tire sizes affect the system shifting, which affects the final value.

Many dealers refer to lower final drive ratios as long gears and higher final drive ratios as short gears. The former usually have better gas mileage, while the latter can generally carry heavier loads.

Axles are just one of the features essential to keep your car on the road. Find out more about our most popular top features in our comparison tests and first drive reports.

The information and research in this article has been verified by ASE Certified Master Technician Duane Sayaloune of Vermin-Club.com. For feedback or correction requests, please contact us at [email protected].

Sources:

https://carfromjapan.com/article/car-maintenance/how-many-axles-does-a-car-have-know-it-here/

https://www.quadratec.com/jeep_knowledgebase/article-134.htm

Types of Axles: Rear Axles, Front Axle and Stub Axle

https://www.meineke.com/blog/everything-what-you-must-know-about-your-autos-axles/

https://www.edmunds.com/car-buying/how-to-choose-the-right-axle-ratio-for-your-pickup-truck.html

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