Lesson 2/Learning Event 2
Learning Event 2:
DESCRIBE THE CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF LIVE AXLES AND
DIFFERENTIALS
The major difference between the dead and live axle is that the live axle can drive each
of the wheels it mounts. Driving the wheels makes a big difference in the construction,
operation, and cost of live axles over dead axles.
The speed of the output from the transmission or transfer assembly is too fast to connect
to the drive wheels. If it were connected at this speed, there would not be enough torque
to pull the loads and the vehicle would also travel entirely too fast. The live axle is
constructed so that it lowers the speed and increases the torque or pulling power. This is
done by using reduction gearing or a small gear driving a larger gear.
FIGURE 9. DIFFERENTIAL.
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