What Does Axle Mean?

An axle or axletree is a central shaft for a rotating wheel or gear. On wheeled vehicles, the axle may be fixed to the wheels, rotating with them, or fixed to the vehicle, with the wheels rotating around the axle. In the former case, bearings or bushings are provided at the mounting points where the axle is supported.

What is an axle in a vehicle?

An axle on your vehicle is a rod or shaft that rotates the wheels and supports the car's weight. Car and Driver explains that axles are essential components of any vehicle. Since axles conduct the power that turns the wheels, every vehicle needs axles in order to operate properly.

How many axles are on a car?

In most cases, cars have two axles to rotate the wheels. Larger vehicles that carry more passengers and have more wheels may have more axles. It's easy to identify the number of axles that your car or any other vehicle has. Just look at your car from the side, then count the pairs of tires.