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A banjo axle, also known as a “live axle,” refers to a type of rear axle design commonly used in vehicles.
Banjo Axle Design:
- Appearance: The term “banjo” describes the shape that resembles the musical instrument, with a central differential housing (the drum-shaped part containing the differential) and two axle tubes extending outward. This configuration gives the axle assembly a visual similarity to a banjo, with its central body and two protruding sides.
- Functionality: The differential housed within the central casing allows the rear wheels to rotate independently of each other, while receiving power from the engine via the driveshaft. This design facilitates smooth driving and maneuverability by enabling differential speed between the wheels during turns.
- Common Usage: Banjo axles were historically common in older vehicles and are still used in some modern vehicles, particularly in rear-wheel-drive configurations where simplicity and durability are valued.
This axle design has been widely used in automotive history due to its robustness, ease of maintenance, and effective power distribution characteristics.
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