plate and bearing control endplay during turns.
Figure 8-103
shows a roller bearing version of the semi-floating axle. This bearing is
lubricated by rear end lubricant. The axle seal is installed in front of the bearing. When
this kind of bearing is used, the
axle is held in the housing by a
clip on the inboard end of the
shaft at the differential
assembly. This kind of axle is
sometimes called a C-lock axle
because of the shape of the
locking clip. Endplay on turns is
controlled by the fit of the axle
shaft between the C-lock and
the other parts of the differential
assembly.
Figure 8-104
shows a semi-
floating axle using a tapered
roller bearing. This type of axle
is usually found on older
vehicles. When this type of
bearing is used, there is usually
some provision for adjusting the
bearing preload to control
endplay. This is generally done
by using axle shims or by
turning an adjustment nut.
Tapered roller bearings may be
packed with grease or lubricated
from the rear axle housing,
depending on the particular
manufacturer's design.
In
Figure 8-104
, notice the use
of the tapered axle. This is one
of two methods used to secure a
wheel hub to its axle. The
tapered end wedges into a
tapered hole in the wheel hub,
and the key keeps the axle from
rotating in the hub. The other
method has the wheel hub (axle
and flange, in this case) solidly
mounted to the axle.
Figure 8-103 - Roller bearing semi-floating
axle.
Figure 8-104 - Tapered roller bearing semi-
floating axle.
NAVEDTRA 14050A
8-93