BC Drivers: Understanding the Axles on Ford Vehicles

Every Ford vehicle has a set of axles, which are responsible for supporting the weight of the car and the rotation of the wheels. Manufactured as rods or shafts, most models have two axles - one on the front and one on the rear.

The front axle is in a fixed position and assists with steering. It also helps absorb small impacts from uneven roads. Consisting of four major parts, you will find the beam, stub axle, track rod, and swivel pin making up this mechanism. Commonly crafted out of carbon or nickel steel, it is very sturdy.

Next, the rear axle has the important job of sending power to the driving wheels. It is comprised of two half-shafts that are joined together by a differential. Usually, they rotate with the tires - making them live axles.

Each component is lubricated by axle drive fluid. This keeps the gears and moving parts in good condition. Another term you may want to familiarize yourself with is the axle ratio. This simply refers to the number of revolutions the driveshaft needs to make for each rotation of the axles.

Need to replace the entire axle assembly? Get in touch with the team at Ford Parts BC to start your online order today!