SEMI-FLOATING AXLE

Type of axle commonly used in modern car. The outer end of the axle shaft does two things: (1) it supports the weight of the vehicle and (2) it is the means of propulsion. The inner end of the axle shaft which is splined , "floats" in the differential gear . In this design a single bearing is placed between the axle shaft and the axle bearing; to remove the axle the wheel must first be removed.