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[edit] Article lacking (2005)

As of today the article is very bad IMO... Ericd 18:55, 13 August 2005 (UTC)

• I pretty much rewrote the whole article last week. I'd like to add some pictures, especially a dump truck with an airlift axle, and something to illustrate tandem axles, because I think some pictures would clarify those concepts better than the text alone. A picture of train axles would be nice too. Kymacpherson 03:50, 2 September 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Floating axles vs. semi-floating axles

I have a need for a clear explanation of Floating Axles vs. semi-floating axles or load bearing axles. What effect does this have on tonnage ratings. It is my understanding that to be rated 3/4 or 1 ton, a truck must have a floating axle. This apparently means the axle can't bear the load, but only be used to transmit rotational force while keeping the wheels attached and aligned.

Am I right about this. If you have knowledge in this area, could you please contribute to this article.

The best information that I have found to date is an F-150 forum.

(http://www.off-roadweb.com/tech/0112or_semi_floating_and_full_floating_axles/ )

Phil Bickel

Bicbickel@yahoo.com

What you said above is correct. I lack the time to edit the article to incorporate this or find refs and pictures, but you are correct. In floating axle designs, the vehicle weight is not borne by the axle itself. The wheel hub is connected to the axle housing via roller bearings, and the axle itself sits inside the housing and transmits torque via the splines but does not take load that would bend it. — ¾-10 00:28, 14 December 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Nomenclature problem on WP re "axle", "spindle", and "shaft"

As of today, the way that WP covers "axle", "spindle", and "shaft" does not match the way those words are used in the U.S. among mechanical engineers, mechanics, or machinists. I can't vouch for UK or Commonwealth usage, but in U.S. usage each of these words is restricted to certain senses, some of which WP does not cover currently. The shafts inside gearboxes are not usually called "axles" in the U.S. "Spindle" to a machinist refers specifically to machine tool spindles, and to mechanics it refers specifically to the forged part that car wheel bearings ride on. I will not have time to revamp this coverage anytime soon, but I wanted to point this out in case anyone with time available can work on fixing it. — ¾-10 00:38, 14 December 2007 (UTC)