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A banjo rear axle housing is a type of rear axle assembly where the differential unit can be removed without having to remove the entire axle housing from the vehicle.
Banjo Rear Axle Housing:
- Design: The banjo rear axle housing is named for its resemblance to the musical instrument “banjo,” owing to its solid, drum-shaped central portion resembling the body of a banjo. This design houses the differential unit and typically extends from wheel hub to wheel hub across the vehicle’s rear axle.
- Removability of Differential: In a banjo rear axle housing, the differential unit is accessed and serviced by removing a rear cover plate on the axle housing. This allows mechanics to remove and service the differential gears and bearings without having to remove the entire axle assembly from the vehicle chassis.
- Solid Construction: Unlike split rear axle housings, which have a removable center section allowing easier access to the differential, banjo rear axle housings feature a solid construction from side to side. This design simplifies axle assembly and maintenance processes.
- Applications: Banjo rear axle housings were commonly used in older vehicles and are still found in some modern applications where simplicity and reliability are prioritized. They provide robust support for the differential and axle shafts while allowing for relatively straightforward maintenance.
- Comparison with Split Rear Axle Housing: In contrast to split rear axle housings, which require removing a central section for differential access, banjo housings simplify maintenance by providing direct access via a rear cover plate. Split housings offer easier differential removal but may be less common due to their more complex construction.
Overall, banjo rear axle housings offer a practical solution for vehicles where rear axle maintenance needs to be straightforward and efficient, allowing for differential service without complete disassembly of the axle from the vehicle.
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