Chapter 16 Rear Axle Assembly Construction and Operation 327
Drive shaft
Torque tube
Differential
carrier
Independent
rear suspension
Drive axle
CV-joint
Crossmember
Figure 16-32. The rear axle housing used on vehicles with independent rear suspension has no axle tubes.The carrier has oil seals where
the drive axles enter. A torque tube is often used at the front of the housing to increase rigidity and reduce vibration. (DaimlerChrysler)
Lugs
Axle
flange
Solid drive
axle
Axle tube
Drive pinion
gear
Differential
assembly
Splined
connections
Inspection
cover
Ring gear
Spider and
side gears Axle
bearing
Figure 16-33. The axle shaft used on a solid drive axle, or a live axle, is a single piece of steel that is supported on both ends. The
outer support is provided by an axle bearing, and an inner support is provided by the differential side bearings. Note that the
differential has been rotated 90° for the purpose of illustration. (Fiat)