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Semi Float Vs Full Float

1. There are two main types of solid rear axles: semi-float and full-float. Semi-float axles have the axle shaft carry both the vehicle weight and transmit torque to the wheel, while full-float axles separate these functions between the axle housing and axle shaft. 2. Semi-float axles are lighter and cheaper to produce but have lower weight capacity. Full-float axles are stronger despite being heavier, as separating the load and torque roles makes for a sturdier assembly. 3. Full-float axles are typically seen on heavier duty trucks three-quarters of a ton and up, while semi-float axles are common for cars and lighter

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Harpreet Singh
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94 views2 pages

Semi Float Vs Full Float

1. There are two main types of solid rear axles: semi-float and full-float. Semi-float axles have the axle shaft carry both the vehicle weight and transmit torque to the wheel, while full-float axles separate these functions between the axle housing and axle shaft. 2. Semi-float axles are lighter and cheaper to produce but have lower weight capacity. Full-float axles are stronger despite being heavier, as separating the load and torque roles makes for a sturdier assembly. 3. Full-float axles are typically seen on heavier duty trucks three-quarters of a ton and up, while semi-float axles are common for cars and lighter

Uploaded by

Harpreet Singh
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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1/1/38- Semi-Float vs Full Float

The first divi sion in the solid axle area is


full-float versus se mi-float. With a semi-float
axle, the axle shaft both carries the weight and
transmits torqu e. The wheel is often bolted
directly to the flange on the axle. Semi-float axles
are see n on cars and li ght duty trucks. Semi-
fioats are more limited in capacity, but lighter
and cheaper to manufacture.
With a full-float axle, the weight of the
vehicle is supported by the axle housing- more
specifically, a bearing spindle attached to the
axle housing, and a set of bea rings in a se parate
wheel hub. Torque is transmitted by a separate
axle shaft that carries no weight. As commonl y
built, full-floaters are considerably heavier, but
also mu ch stronger. Sepa rating the load ca rrying
and torque transmission duties results in a

A typica l semi-float ax le bearing setup looks li ke th is. The ax le shaft both carries the weight and applies drive
torque to the wheel. The beari ng is pressed onto the axle shaft and held there by an interference fit co ll ar (someti mes
a screwed-on co llar). Most often, the bearing taper faces inwards and the preload is app lied by the retainer plate.
Th e inner sea l is not always present. except on older ax les where the bearing is packed in grease.

Brake Drum Unit Type Wheel Bearing


, BElaring Retainer Ring
Oil Seal -_-!h:l~I~~~~:§A
~Xle Housing
Retainer
Plate

Axle Shaft ~-.


Axle Shaft Inboard Oil Seal

Shaft Outboard Oil Seal


Backing Plate
& Retainer Plate Brake Backing Plate
Mounting Bolts
""i;;;;~;
~
S=_tU~d__ Outer Bearing

~~~~:::::::~::f2rTr- Inner Bearing


Spindle
The full-float design separates the load carrying and torque
delivery roles. The hub carries the weight with two pre-
loaded tapered bearings over a spindle. Lubrication comes
from the differential and the oil travels along the tube to
drain out the end of the spindle to fill the bearing cavity. The
axle shaft is attached to the hub by studs/nuts or bolts. These
fasteners provide the to rque connection, so they are vital
Nut, Lock pieces.
Axle Flange & Washer Seal

stron ge r asse mbl y, regardl ess of the actual built as a full-floater, as we re so me ea rly Jeep
weigh t capacity of the unit, and a broken shaft ax les, older Land Rover axles and a few
does not necessarily prevent the vehi cle from Japanese built uni ts, but they a re not common in
rolling normally. Full float axles are seen almost newer rigs. There have been aftermarket kits for
excl usively on hi gher evw rated trucks (gener- the 4x4 market that convert a small selection of
ally 3/ 4 ton and up). A light duty axle can be semi-floats into full-floats.

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