Re: Semi vs Full Floating axles
A semi-floating axle, uses a flanged axle that has a single wheel bearing on the outer end of the axle, just inboard of the wheel mounting surface. This flanged axle not only drives the wheel but it also carries the weight of the vehicle and impacts the wheel experiences; so that there are torsional loads and sheer loads on the axles and only one bearing. Failure of the bearing or axle will most often result in the loss of the wheel.
A full-floating axle housing has a hollow spindle on each end, and two bearings on each spindle with a hub riding on those bearings. This spindle, bearing and hub assembly carries the weight of the vehicle and the impacts the wheel experiences. Because there are two bearing on each spindle, it is much more stable and can carry much more load. The drive axle shaft extends through the spindle and is bolted to the hub, to drive the hub. The drive axle carries no weight and only propels the hub and wheel. If the drive axle fails, it has no impact on the spindle, bearing and hub assemblies ability to carry the load and retain the wheel.
I hope that is at least as clear as mud.
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Four time Baja 1000 winner, four time Baja 500 winner. Solo'ed the Baja 1000 to LaPaz/Cabo twice.
4-Wheeling since 1972, Desert Racing since 1989.
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