Common Faults in Front and Rear Axles


Release date:

2024-02-26

Inspection and maintenance of the axle housing and half-shaft sleeves. The axle housing is a fundamental component of the drive axle, serving to support critical parts such as the main reduction gear, differential, and half shafts. It also maintains the relative positions of the left and right drive wheels, bears the vehicle’s weight, and transmits various forces between the chassis and the wheels. Axle housings are classified into two types based on their structure: monolithic and sectional. The Dongfeng EQ1092 model automobile features a monolithic axle housing, which is cast from ductile iron and fitted with seamless steel tube half-shaft sleeves crimped into both ends. Monolithic cast axle housings offer high rigidity and strength, making them ideal for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. On the other hand, axles constructed via stamping and welding—using sheet steel—are lighter in weight, simpler to manufacture, more cost-effective, and exhibit excellent impact resistance. These axles are widely used in passenger cars and light-duty trucks. When inspecting the axle housing, use specialized measuring tools to check the coaxiality of the half-shaft sleeve bores, ensuring it does not exceed 0.10 mm. Alternatively, standard half-shafts can be used to detect bending deformation in the axle housing; the difference between the centers of the two half shafts should remain within 0.75 mm. If the axle housing deformation surpasses the specified limits, corrective measures must be taken. For bending deformations up to 2 mm, cold pressing can be employed for straightening. However, if the deformation exceeds this threshold, heating methods may be applied—but only below 700°C—to avoid overheating, which could lead to changes in the metal’s microstructure and compromise the axle housing’s structural integrity.

The inspection and maintenance of the axle housing and half-shaft sleeves. The axle housing is a fundamental component of the drive axle, serving to support critical parts such as the main reducer, differential, and half shafts. It also secures the relative positions of the left and right drive wheels, bears the vehicle's weight, and transmits various forces between the chassis and the wheels.

 

Bridge axles are classified into two types based on their structure: monolithic and sectional. The Dongfeng EQ1092 vehicle features a monolithic axle design. It is cast from ductile iron, with seamless steel tubes pressed into both ends to form half-shaft sleeves. Monolithic cast axles offer high rigidity and strength, making them ideal for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. On the other hand, stamped and welded steel-plate axles stand out for their lightweight, simple manufacturing process, low cost, and excellent impact resistance—features that have made them widely adopted in passenger cars and light-duty trucks.

 

Use a dedicated gauge to measure the coaxiality of the axle housing half-shaft sleeve bore, ensuring it does not exceed 0.10 mm. Alternatively, use a standard half-shaft to check for bending deformation in the axle housing, with the difference between the centers of the two half-shafts no greater than 0.75 mm. If the axle housing deformation exceeds the specified limit, it must be corrected. For bending deformations up to 2 mm, cold-pressure correction is recommended; however, if the deformation is more severe, heating correction may be employed—provided the temperature remains below 700°C—to prevent excessive heat from altering the metal structure and compromising the axle housing's strength.

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